Allergy drops, formally known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT, address the underlying causes of allergic reactions rather than just managing symptoms. This treatment exposes the body to small, increasing doses of specific allergens to gradually desensitize the immune system. The goal is to build lasting tolerance, leading to long-term relief. Understanding the process and timeline helps set expectations.
What Are Allergy Drops
Allergy drops are a form of immunotherapy that delivers small quantities of allergen extracts directly under the tongue. This method differs from traditional allergy shots by allowing for self-administration at home. The solution, often customized for specific allergies, is absorbed through specialized cells in the mouth’s mucous membranes.
Once absorbed, these allergens interact with the immune system, initiating a process of desensitization. The immune system, which overreacts to these substances, gradually learns to tolerate them. This gradual exposure helps retrain the body’s immune response, reducing the severity and frequency of allergic reactions. The drops can target airborne allergens like pollens, dust mites, and pet dander. While some allergy tablets have FDA approval, allergy drops are often compounded and used off-label.
When You Might Feel Better
The timeline for noticeable improvements with allergy drops varies among individuals. Many patients observe some symptom reduction within three to six months of consistent treatment. Some report initial benefits as early as four weeks after starting therapy.
These early improvements often manifest as a decrease in the intensity or frequency of common allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or runny nose. While initial relief is encouraging, building robust tolerance is gradual. Significant symptom relief is expected within six to twelve months of regular use. Achieving full therapeutic benefit may take a year or more.
Why Timelines Differ
Several factors influence how quickly an individual responds to allergy drop treatment. The severity of a person’s allergies plays a role; those with more pronounced or long-standing symptoms may require longer to achieve significant relief. Specific allergens also affect the timeline; some may induce tolerance faster than others.
Consistency in adhering to the prescribed daily regimen is crucial for treatment effectiveness. Skipping doses or inconsistent use disrupts the immune system’s tolerance building, potentially delaying results. An individual’s unique immune system response and overall health status also contribute to how quickly the body desensitizes to allergens. Age can also be a factor.
How Long Treatment Continues
While initial symptom improvement can occur relatively early, the full course of allergy drop treatment spans several years. The primary aim is to achieve sustained, long-term desensitization and lasting relief, requiring continued allergen exposure. Most treatment plans recommend daily use for three to five years.
This extended period allows the immune system to fully retrain and build robust tolerance to the allergens. The goal is for the body to maintain this desensitization even after treatment is discontinued. Benefits can persist for at least two to three years after treatment cessation, provided the full course is completed. Continuing therapy for the recommended duration increases the likelihood of long-lasting symptom reduction or even complete elimination of allergic reactions.