Food is a significant part of our lives and can be just as fulfilling socially as it is physically. This makes living with food allergies seem all the more challenging, especially in North Texas where food is often at the center of social and cultural experiences. Thankfully, today we have modern treatments like food allergy drops, making meals more palatable and safe for food allergy patients of all ages. Let’s see how.
What Are Food Allergy Drops?
Sublingual immunotherapy treatment (SLIT – also known as food allergy drops), is a recent innovation in immunology and allergy medicine. We often talk about the best ways to treat food allergies because it is a major concern. Recent studies tell us that 33 million Americans have at least one food allergy, making the search for effective relief important.
The use of allergy drops is a desensitization technique. With the goal of reducing your immune system’s overreaction, a small amount of the allergen affecting you is added to a liquid that’s placed under the tongue (sublingual). Over time the amount of allergen is gradually increased as your immune system builds tolerance, finally reaching a maintenance level.
Taken daily, these drops are simply held under the tongue for 1–2 minutes before being swallowed. Over time, this exposure can change how you or your child react to foods like peanuts, seafood, milk and sesame. So what are the benefits associated with SLIT?
Top Benefits of Food Allergy Drops for Sustained Relief
The SLIT regimen must be prescribed by an allergist. If you suspect you have food allergies and are looking for effective treatments beyond emergency care (such as use of epinephrine auto-injectors), the following are some of the reasons to consider food allergy drops for sustained relief.
1. Shots Are Not an Option for Food Allergies
Food allergy drops are taken under the tongue and do not involve injections. Unlike allergy shots, which are used for environmental and seasonal allergies, food allergy drops are designed specifically for food allergy treatment.
2. SLIT Is Easy to Take
Food allergy drops are easy to administer and work into a busy schedule. It’s also easy to involve children in their care, as it’s a treatment they can understand. Allergy drops also travel well for vacations or work. You don’t have to worry about being burdened with extra equipment.
3. Food Allergy Drops Are Effective
While the use of drops is a newer immunotherapy, food allergy drops are continually being studied. People who consistently take their doses under the care of their allergist see positive results and better health outcomes. For some people this means fewer emergency interventions, and others can partake of foods they once had to avoid.
4. Reduced Anxiety About Food Allergens
As you know, people who live with food allergies can experience great anxiety about food. While patients taking allergy drops must still remain vigilant in their label reading and exercise caution when dining out, many experience freedom knowing their consistent exposure can help them have less severe reactions. This also leads to more confidence and feelings of safety.
There are multiple reasons to visit a board-certified allergist to identify or confirm food allergies. Your allergist can determine if you are a candidate for food allergy drops, and start your treatment as soon as possible. Know that today, long-term relief is indeed possible.
Get Food Allergy Relief From North Texas’ Best Allergist
Dr. Mireku is one of the top food allergy specialists in North Texas, helping families safely enjoy food and food-related activities. If you or your child need treatment for allergies or asthma, visit our allergy treatment centers in McKinney/Prosper or Southlake. Request an appointment or call us at (469) 375-1525.
