Get Relief From Your Seasonal Allergies, Naturally
Natural Treatments For Seasonal Allergies
Allergies are over-reactions of the immune system to substances such as dust, pollen and foods that normally should not trigger an inflammatory reaction in the body. The immune system mistakenly interprets the allergen as a threat to the body and mounts a strong immune response against it. Allergy symptoms are your immune system’s extreme reaction to harmless substances that are normally found in your everyday environment. This is known as a hypersensitivity reaction and as a result, you experience symptoms like itchy, water eyes, runny nose, headaches, sinus congestion, sneezing, hives, and many more.
Allergy symptoms can be treated by suppressing the symptom with antihistamines, steroid medications, or natural alternatives. However, relief from allergies often requires a more comprehensive identification and support for the underlying causes. Allergies are often a sign that the body is beginning to accumulate toxins and is unable to keep up with their detoxification and elimination. There are several natural approaches that can effectively address the underlying cause of allergies and the resulting inflammation that triggers most allergy symptoms.
A comprehensive allergy relief support plan focuses on addressing several important ares:
2. Improving liver detoxification
3. Sublingual immunotherapy allergy desensitization
4. Targeted nutritional supplements that are proven to reduce and alleviate allergy symptoms
5. Balancing gut flora and healing leaky gut
6. Supporting the adrenal glands and stress response
Schedule an appointment to start living free of seasonal and food allergies, once and for all !
Introducing Sublingual Immunotherapy – Natural Relief From Your Seasonal And Pet Allergies!
What Is Sublingual Immunotherapy ?
Sublingual Immunotherapy, also known as SLIT, is a method used for the treatment of environmental and seasonal allergies using doses of allergens delivered under the tongue using “allergy drops”. Allergens are things like pollen, dust and animal dander that trigger allergic symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy eyes and sneezing. Over time, taking allergy drops improves the allergy sufferer’s tolerance to the allergen. This process of desensitization is the best treatment for environmental and seasonal allergies as it eliminates the root cause of allergies not just allergy symptoms.
While anti-histamines and herbal remedies mask symptoms, immunotherapy can train your body to tolerate the allergen, eventually eliminating allergy symptoms and the need for antihistamines or allergy medicines altogether.
Your SLIT vial will contain small amounts of the offending allergen which are administered two to three times daily under the tongue. Research shows that when your immune system is exposed to small doses of your allergens in this this way, it naturally desensitizes the immune system and increases your ability to tolerate the allergens, which reduces the allergic symptoms you experience.
SLIT is a safe and effective alternative to allergy shots that are commonly used in the treatment of seasonal allergies, asthma, and eczema.
What Allergies Can Be Desensitized Using SLIT?
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- Grass
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- Tree Pollens
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- Weeds
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- Rageed
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- Dust mites
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- Mold
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- Cats
- Dogs
Benefits Of SLIT
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- Reduces the need for allergy medications
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- Completely natural
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- More convenient and safer than allergy shots
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- Requires just a drop under the tongue
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- Better quality of life with fewer sick days, better sleep and energy, and a reduction in allergy symptoms
- Endorsed by the World Health Organization
How Does SLIT Work?
Initially, a skin scratch test is done to determine which allergens you are reactive to. Based on the results of this test, you will be prescribed a customized formula prepared for you by the lab.
The first dose of the indicated allergen(s) is given in the office. Subsequent daily doses of the allergy drops are taken at home. Retesting after 6 months of treatment will determine whether the drops are still needed.
SLIT is given as drops under the tongue. Research shows that when an allergen is presented this way, the immune system learns to tolerate the allergen. The results is less allergy symptoms when the body is exposed to the allergy source, such as grass, trees, pollen or pet dander.
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
Typically results are seen within 30 – 60 days of starting the treatment. SLIT can be used during allergy season or done preventatively, starting well before allergy season. However, many patients report a reduction in symptoms within the first few weeks of treatment. One study showed that within two years 85% of people were desensitized to their allergens. As with all allergy immunotherapy, long-term, lasting results require 3-5 years of treatment. Research shows that committing to the full therapy can result in permanent symptom relief. No more allergies.
Is SLIT Safe To Use?
SLIT is proven to be effective, safe and well tolerated. SLIT treatment is a low dose, high frequency model of sublingual immunotherapy. Low dosing levels and the ease of treatment mean it is safe enough to effectively treat people suffering from chronic conditions that previously made them unable to receive allergy treatments via injection. The frequency of use is the key to this therapy working as such, the safety profile is excellent and there have been no reported cases of adverse reactions at this dosage
Plus, with over 60 clinical trials proving the SLIT works, this allergy therapy has endorsement from the World Health Organization, the World Allergy Organization and the Cochrane Collaboration. Research has found that SLIT is effective for hay fever, allergic rhinitis (runny nose), allergic conjunctivitis (itchy/red eyes), and allergic asthma. It has also been found to prevent the development of allergic asthma in children with eczema and allergic rhinitis.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Rarely, however, the most common side effect of allergy drops is a mild, local irritation in the mouth and under the tongue. This usually subsides within a few days of commencing treatment. If you experience mouth, throat, chest or abdominal discomfort or if experiencing hives, itching or shortness of breath do not take further doses until consulting with healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take SLIT?
SLIT should not be taken by patients who are on beta-blockers or who have uncontrolled asthma, and women who are pregnant or nursing. Those with immune deficiencies, cancers or autoimmune disease are cautioned not to use this product.
When Should I start SLIT?
There are two options:
1. For prevention, your treatment should start 4 – 8 weeks prior to pollen season. For tree pollen allergies, this would start in December or January. For grass pollen allergies, this would start in early April or May. Use of the SLIT drops would continue throughout allergy season, then stop until the following season.
2. Co-Seasonal Treatment is administered during active allergy symptoms. Treatment would start immediately and continue year round for two or three years. The goal with this method is to build permanent tolerance to your specific allergens. Studies show that after successfully completing a full course of Co-Seasonal Treatment, SLIT users do not develop allergies again, even years after completing treatment. No more antihistamines, no more medication, no more allergies. Treatment during active allergy symptoms can start at any time during the allergy season.
There is no season for mold, cat/dog dander, or house dust mites – treatment can start at any time.
How Do You Take Your SLIT Drops?
Take one drop below the tongue using the SLIT bottle’s metered dosage pump (0.05ml) two to three times per day. Hold under the tongue for one minute, and then swallow. Studies show that frequency is the key to the efficacy of this product. Taking one drop per day shows no change in symptoms, whereas, taking two to three drops per day shows a significant reduction in symptoms.
Are Skin Scratch Tests Accurate?
Scratch tests are highly accurate for pollen, dander, dust mite, and mold spore allergies. They have, at minimum, 98% sensitivity and 95% specificity for the allergens tested. Results are highly reproducible. Scratch tests are less reliable for food allergies, and for allergies that are delayed in their presentation. We recommend a Food Allergy Test done using a blood sample in order to determine if there are any foods that may be contributing to your allergy symptoms or to any of your other health concerns.
Single vs. Multiple Allergy Desensitization
SLIT drops can come in single allergen vials or customized to have several allergens mixed into a single vial. The customized approach allows you to save time and money by having all your allergens in one vial.
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- Custom formulas can have a maximum of four allergens.
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- Mold can not be mixed in with the others. It has to be a stand alone single vial.
- Custom formulas are prepared by a licensed pharmacist at Western Allergy in Victoria.
When To Use Regular Strength vs. Extra Strength Formulations?
Typically, you would start your SLIT therapy using regular strength allergy drops for a few months. During this time you will monitor your allergy symptoms. If you are still experiencing allergy symptoms, you should increase the strength of your allergy drops to Extra strength.
How Much Does SLIT Cost?
The average cost is $80 per month
If you take the drops twice a day, one bottle will last 6 weeks. If you take the drops 3 times a day a bottle will last one month.
How Many Vials Should I Order At A Time?
We suggest you start with two bottles – enough to last 2-3 months.
How Long Will My Order Take To Arrive?
Approximately two weeks.
Appointments And Fees For Sublingual Immunotherapy
Following an initial consultation to determine if SLIT is the right treatment for you, the skin scratch test will be administered at the clinic. Expect to be in the clinic for up to one hour for this initial skin scratch test. The test itself takes a few minutes to administer, however the results take up to half an hour to be determined. You must remain at the clinic for at least 15-20 minutes after the first administration of the drops.
You also must be a patient of Dr Chelsea’s. The allergy scratch testing is a flat rate of $40 in addition to the regular consultation visit fee. Cost of the allergen drops depends on the concentration. Please schedule your appointment here.
Treatment with the SLIT drops cost approximately $80 per month and is typically covered under your drug plan.
