While allergy shots are certainly effective for people who suffer from this affliction, there are many patients who would benefit from a different type of treatment. After all, some people simply don't have time to go to the doctor's office each week for their shot — plus, taking a needle to one's skin on a regular basis isn't exactly pleasant.
With this in mind, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering the approval of a new treatment that comes in tablet form, enabling allergy sufferers to administer the medication on their own. According to CBS Pittsburgh, patients would place the tablets under their tongues on a daily basis for anywhere from 12 weeks to three years, depending on their doctors' orders.
So far, a number of doctors have expressed support for this treatment.
"[Patients] want their immune system fixed with natural therapies, but right now, all I have available to them are shots," allergist Dr. David Skoner of Allegheny General Hospital told the news outlet. "The need for something like this in the consumer market is high. You can do this therapy at home every day."
The source reports that the FDA plans to reveal its approval or disapproval of the tablet in the coming weeks.
If you're one of the millions of Americans who suffer from allergies, there are simple changes you can make around your home to keep your symptoms under control. For example, by investing in bedding for allergies, you can ensure that dust mites and other particles aren't building up on your mattress, sheets and pillow cases.