Allergy Drops Instead of Allergy Shots?

European allergists have been treating allergy sufferrers for years with sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops under the tongue. This may be a cost-effective alternative to allergy shots, which some view as a painful therapy, particularly in children.

But most allergists in the United States like the idea of sublingual immunotherapy, which may be able to be given at home, rather than in the doctor's office, as is the case with allergy shots. The allergy drops may be safer and nearly as effective as the current form of allergy shots.

While not currently FDA approved, sublingual immunotherapy is likely on the horizon for use in the United States. And for those who fear needles used in traditional allergy shots, sublingual immunotherapy may be just what the doctor ordered.