Allergy immunotherapy for adults is one thing, but with children, it can be a struggle, especially if your child is young. Between frequent visits to your child’s doctor’s office and regular doses to achieve an allergen-specific tolerance, navigating the ins and outs of allergy immunotherapy can be a challenge.
But it’s important to remember that you have options. There are two primary types of allergy immunotherapy: allergy shots and allergy drops. Each one has key advantages, making each best suited to different situations. So, as you consider the merits of each option, here are a few things to consider:
1. Proximity to the Allergist’s Office
Your proximity to your allergist’s or doctor’s office is an essential consideration when debating between allergy shots and allergy drops. Allergy shots have a higher risk of an adverse reaction, so you’ll need to bring your kiddo to the allergist or doctor for every injection. They’ll complete the injection and keep your child for monitoring for a specific period of time to ensure they don’t experience an adverse reaction.
In the early stages, your child might need more than one shot per week, so you’ll be doing a lot of back-and-forth driving to and from your doctor’s or allergist’s office. This can quickly become a scheduling headache, especially if you live a ways away from your allergist’s or doctor’s office. In this case, allergy drops might be the better option because you can administer them at home.
Of course, if you don’t live too far away from the office, the back-and-forth driving likely won’t be an issue. Even still, packing up your child (or children) for multiple doctor’s visits each week can become a nuisance, especially if you have younger children who aren’t keen on cooperating.
2. Comfortability With Needles
Remember to consider how your kiddo feels about needles. Allergy shots involve needles; allergy drops don’t. If they’re wary of needles and every vaccine appointment is an absolute nightmare, allergy shots might not be the right pick. In the beginning, your kiddo might need more than one injection per week, and if every injection is a battle, it might be best to go with allergy drops.
With allergy drops, you won’t have to worry about trying to figure out a way to make the injection go smoothly. Instead, you get to skip the needle scene altogether and opt for convenient, kiddo-friendly drops that you can easily administer under your child’s tongue.
3. Scheduling
When debating the merits of allergy shots and allergy drops, it’s important to consider your schedule. Do you have a flexible schedule? Maybe you’re a stay-at-home mom, so finding the time for doctor’s appointments is easy. If that’s the case, allergy shots might be a good option.
However, if your schedule is already packed, finding time to bring your kiddo to the doctor might be stressful. The first few months of treatment may require multiple visits per week, so it can be a lot to add to an already busy schedule. If that’s the case, allergy drops might be better suited to your needs.
4. Convenience
If you want a convenient, stress-free option, allergy drops might be the better option. Since you won’t have to visit your doctor’s or allergist’s office for each dose, this option is ultra-convenient. The risk of allergic reactions is low with allergy drops, so you can administer the drops from the comfort of your own home—no doctor visits or injections are necessary.
So, Are Allergy Shots Better Than Allergy Drops, or Vice Versa?
Allergy shots aren’t necessarily better than allergy drops, nor are allergy drops better than allergy shots. Each option has merits, so one might be better suited to your kiddo than the other. Ultimately, it comes down to your kiddo’s needs, preferences, and medical history. Choose the option that works best for you and your family.
If you’re unsure which option to choose for your child, talk to your child’s primary care physician. They can offer personalized input based on your child’s medical history, helping you select the option best suited to their needs.