If you suffer from allergies but don’t want injections, sublingual immunotherapy may be the perfect solution for you. Dr. Carlos Ayala can help you manage and reduce your allergy symptoms all-year round without shots at Ayala ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery. Our services are available for residents of McAllen, Mission, the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding areas in Texas.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an innovative alternative to traditional methods of treating allergy symptoms. Immunotherapy is the process of treating allergies by giving the patient tiny doses of what they’re allergic to. Sublingual immunotherapy is when the allergen is placed underneath the tongue, rather than injecting it into the skin.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) works in the same way traditional allergy shots work. They help gradually build the body’s tolerance to whatever is causing the allergy. SLIT treatments use a liquid form of the allergen placed under the tongue instead of being injected.
First, allergy testing is done to identify or confirm the allergens that trigger your symptoms. The extract is created in liquid form.
Although some allergies like ragweed or grass allergies are taken only before and during allergy season, SLIT treatments are effective for allergies all-year round. Dr. Ayala specializes in helping patients to keep their allergies manageable throughout the year.
Sublingual immunotherapy has over 20 years of clinical trials in its history. These trials have repeatedly shown that SLIT treatments are safe and effective for treating a wide variety of allergies, such as dust mites, grass, and ragweed.
Although sublingual immunotherapy uses FDA-approved antigens, it is still being evaluated by the FDA for its overall quality, safety, and effectiveness. Any questions or concerns you may have can be addressed during your initial consultation with Dr. Ayala.
Sublingual immunotherapy is done three times a week, sometimes even daily, depending on the patient’s unique situation. It’s recommended you continue SLIT treatments for three to five years in order to establish a long-lasting immunity.
Cost for sublingual immunotherapy can vary from patient to patient, depending on a variety of different factors. Dr. Ayala will discuss your specific situation during the initial consultation and can provide a more accurate cost assessment for you at that time.
Some insurance companies will cover allergy visits and treatments, but sublingual drops are considered “off-label” use. This means even though they use FDA-approved antigens to make the drops, most insurance companies will not cover the drops until they are officially approved by the FDA.
In order to keep costs as low as possible for our patients, we offer alternative financing options available through CareCredit® and Prosper®.
There are several benefits to sublingual immunotherapy and most patients are pleased with their results.
Immunotherapy treats more than just the symptoms of allergies, it treats the root of the problem. Once tolerance is established, the results are permanent for a majority of patients.
Simply Sinus™ Allergy sublingual drops are another option to try in order to feel allergy relief. Simply Sinus™ is a homeopathic, inexpensive, non-FDA approved way to cure allergies. There’s no medicine, no injections, and no more allergies. Contact Ayala ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery to learn more.
Symptom improvements vary between individuals and can be seen as early as a few weeks, or sometimes taking up to a few months. In order to benefit from long-term results, you’ll need to finish the entire course of treatments recommended.
For more information about sublingual immunotherapy or other services at Ayala ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery, contact us today. We’re happy to answer any questions or schedule a consultation for you with Dr. Ayala. Our office is proud to serve men and women in McAllen, Mission, the Rio Grande Valley, and surrounding communities in Texas.
