About Allergies: Sublingual Grass Immunotherapy for Allergies

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies A recent study showed that a sublingual immunotherapy tablet for grass allergy, Grazax, has shown continued benefit for 2 years after the the therapy was stopped. Grazax, which contains grass allergen, has been available in Europe for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies), and allergic asthma due to grass pollen. This is a form of sublingual (or under the tongue) immunotherapy, which actually changes the way a person's body reacts to allergens. Immunotherapy is the only allergy therapy that can make a person less allergic and reduce or eliminate the need for allergy medications. The best part of immunotherapy is that the benefit continues for many years even after the immunotherapy is stopped. Sublingual Immunotherapy Allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy, has been used for years with great success in Europe. This form of allergy treatment in being studied for use in the United States, yet has not yet been approved by the FDA. Learn more about how sublingual immunotherapy works, how it compares with traditional allergy shots and some of the hurdles it must overcome before being routinely in the U.S. Traditional Allergy Shots Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, are the only treatment for allergies which offers a long-term benefit for people's symptoms. This therapy changes the way a person's immune system deals with allergens in a beneficial way, becoming less reactive to them over time. While allergy shots are generally safe, one should consider the risks and benefits of this therapy prior to taking them. Grass Allergy Grass pollen is known to cause a variety of different allergic reactions. Grass pollen is present in the air in the late spring and early summer months, which can cause allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and asthma. Direct skin contact with grass, from sitting in the grass or mowing the lawn, can cause itching of the skin -- urticaria and atopic dermatitis. Grass allergy can also be associated with the fruit pollen syndrome resulting in food allergies to tomatoes, potatoes and peaches. Asthma and Lung Allergies Various allergic diseases of the lungs are described, including asthma, COPD, emphysema and chronic cough. Other rare diseases are also covered, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and eosinophilic pneumonias. Allergies Ads Allergies Grass Pollen Allergy Shot Sublingual Drops Pollen Allergy Featured Articles Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Drug and Latex Allergies Insect Allergies Anaphylaxis   More from About.com Plan a Unique Vegas Wedding The minister, music and champagne are just the beginning -- why not get married aboard a helicopter or have a pirate swing in to deliver your rings? Arrrr! More> Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement