Sublingual Immunotherapy vs. Traditional Allergy Shots: Pros and Cons for Kids

Are you looking into Allergy relief for your kids? Check out the pros and cons of Sublingual Immunotherapy vs. Traditional Allergy Shots.

 

Sublingual Immunotherapy vs. Traditional Allergy Shots: Pros and Cons for Kids

Allergies aren’t fun, regardless of age. Runny noses, itchy eyes, scratchy throats, coughing, sneezing—it all gets old fast. If your kiddo experiences allergies, you might be searching for a solution that offers longer-lasting results. That’s where allergy immunotherapy comes in.

There are two primary types of allergy immunotherapy: sublingual and subcutaneous. While subcutaneous immunotherapy is more popular among adults, it varies among children, as their needs can vary.

Understanding Allergies in Children

Allergies in kiddos are just like those in adults. Simply put, an allergy is the immune system’s reaction to a foreign substance, called an allergen. These allergens can vary but often include things like pet dander, grasses, pollen, and bee venom.

 

Our bodies produce antibodies, blood proteins that counteract a specific antigen. Those antibodies are what identify the allergen as harmful, even though they’re usually completely harmless. When your kiddo is exposed to the allergen, their immune systems leap into action. Those antibodies communicate with specific cells, triggering a chemical release that results in the symptoms you recognize as an allergic reaction.

In kids, common allergy symptoms include:

• Skin rashes
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Stomach upset

 

Sometimes, severe allergies may result in difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

What is Allergy Immunotherapy?

Allergy immunotherapy is a specialized treatment that focuses on reducing sensitivity to an allergen through repeated exposure. It has been around for well over a century, originally introduced as allergen desensitization.

How Does It Work?

Allergy immunotherapy works by slowly desensitizing the immune system to a particular allergen. It achieves this by reducing the production of the “blocking” antibody responsible for triggering the reaction. This allows your child’s immune system to build an allergen-specific tolerance, which can translate to reduced sensitivity to the allergen.

 

It’s important to recognize the time it takes for this to happen, though. Results don’t appear overnight. Instead, it typically takes years for significant changes to appear. It takes the body time to adjust and build a tolerance. Initial changes may appear within the first year, but it typically takes two to three years for the best results to show up.

 

Of course, every child is different, and progress isn’t linear, so the timeline to seeing results may vary.

Types of Allergy Immunotherapy

There are two primary types of allergy immunotherapy: subcutaneous and sublingual. The first, called subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), is administered under the skin via injection. The second, called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), is administered under the tongue via tablets or drops.

 

Both options are widely studied with many trials and studies documenting the remarkable efficacy of each.

Allergy Drops vs. Allergy Shots for Kids

Allergy drops aren’t necessarily better than allergy shots, or vice versa. However, one might be better suited to your kiddo. The chart below offers a quick overview of the most notable pros and cons of each option.

	Pros	Cons
Allergy drops	●      Convenient ●      Administerable at home ●      Little risk of an adverse reaction ●      Requires no injections ●      Simple administration	●      Fewer FDA-approved options ●      Can be more expensive depending on the program you choose
Allergy shots	●      No need to worry about administering doses on your own ●      Wider range of treatable allergens ●      Usually covered by health insurance ●      Great for older children who don’t mind needles	●      Higher risk of adverse reaction ●      Requires frequent doctor visits ●      Involves needles

 

While both options have merits, many parents opt for allergy drops over allergy shots for their children. This primarily stems from the fact that allergy drops don’t involve needles, which can be a tough thing for kids to deal with.

 

Plus, hauling your kiddos to the doctor’s office multiple times per week can become tricky, especially if you have a busy schedule. With allergy shots, you’ll need to bring your child to the doctor’s office for each injection, as adverse reactions are possible. However, with allergy drops, you can administer the dose at home—no need to visit the doctor’s office!

Closing Thoughts

Both sublingual and subcutaneous allergy immunotherapy are excellent options for kiddos with allergies. If your child is dealing with irritating allergies and you want to find a long-term solution, one of these treatments might be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the best option varies based on your and your child’s needs—allergy shots might be best for some, while allergy drops might be ideal for others.

 

If you’re unsure which one to choose, chat with your child’s healthcare provider. They will carefully evaluate the specifics of your child’s medical history and needs to determine the best fit.