| | | If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here | | | | | | | Latest Treatments for Grass Allergy | Grass pollen is usually the predominant pollen in the air during the summer. Allergy to this pollen can cause sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes, as well as asthma attacks in some people. Grasses can be divided into two major classes: northern and southern grasses. Northern grasses are common in colder climates, and include timothy, rye, orchard, sweet vernal, red top and blue grasses. Southern grasses are present in warmer climates, with Bermuda grass being the major grass in this category.
Most people with significant grass allergy are allergic to most, if not all grasses, on allergy testing, because grass pollens have very similar proteins that cause allergies. | | | | | Newest Treatments for Grass Allergy | | In 2014, the FDA has approved two new products for the treatment of grass pollen allergy. These products, called Oralair and Grastek, are sublingual immunotherapy tablets. Both exist as an oral disintegrating tablet that is placed and held under the tongue. The person is taking these therapies is then asked not to swallow for at least one minute afterwards, and not to eat or drink for at least 5 minutes after that. These tablets are taken once daily, starting generally 3 to 4 months prior to the onset of the grass pollen season – which often starts in April or May. The tablets are taken daily until the end of the pollen season, although in the case of Grastek, can also be taken continuously for a total of 3 years. | | | | | | Oralair, Grastek for Grass Pollen Allergy | | Oralair and Grastek were approved for the treatment of grass pollen allergy. The dissolvable tablet is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. The person is asked not to swallow for at least one minute afterwards, and not to eat or drink for at least 5 minutes after that. These tablets are taken once daily, starting generally 3 to 4 months prior to the onset of the pollen season corresponding to the treatment in question – grass season often starts in April or May, depending on the geographic location. The tablets are taken daily until the end of the pollen season, although in the case of Grastek, can also be taken continuously for a total of 3 years. | | | | | | Sublingual Immunotherapy | | Sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT, is a form of immunotherapy that involves putting drops of allergen extracts under the tongue. Many people refer to this process as “allergy drops,” and it is an alternative treatment for allergy shots. This form of immunotherapy has been used for years in Europe, and recently has had increased interest in the United States. | | | | | | Allergy Shots | | When medications fail to adequately control allergy symptoms and avoidance of the trigger is not easy or possible, an allergist may recommend immunotherapy or “allergy shots”. This treatment consists of a series of injections containing small amounts of the substances to which a person is allergic. After a course of allergy shots, 80 to 90 percent of patients have less allergy symptoms, and in many cases their allergies have completely resolved. Allergy shots can be given for allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (nose and eyes), allergic asthma and insect sting allergies. | | | | | | | | | You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here.
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