Are you looking for help with your food or respiratory allergies and to prevent possible adverse reactions? Do you want to find a way to manage severe symptoms without taking prescription drugs?

The answer may be in something called Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT). By introducing small doses of the allergen under your tongue, SLIT gradually desensitizes your body to major allergens.

In this article, I'll explain the role of immunotherapy specifically SLIT, how it works, report on the latest research, provide expert opinions on whether or not it is right for you, and discuss some of the potential side effects.

What is Sublingual Immunotherapy?

Sublingual immunotherapy, also known as SLIT, is an innovative approach to tackling allergies and food intolerances. This type of immunotherapy involves desensitizing the body by administering tiny doses of allergens or food antigens underneath the tongue in a tablet, spray, or droplet form. The allergen-containing material is absorbed through mucous membranes and then into the bloodstream, stimulating an immune response without triggering an allergic reaction.

This safe and effective treatment procedure has been proven to reduce symptoms of various allergic reactions and food intolerances, as well as reduce levels of specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies associated with such reactions. Generally speaking, it can take around 3-5 months before results can be seen, but this will vary from person to person based on their reaction to treatment.

Not only is Sublingual allergen Immunotherapy a fast and long-lasting treatment option for allergies and intolerances, but it also avoids serious side effects associated with commonly administered injections that are used in conventional immunotherapy treatments. This makes Sublingual Immunotherapy a much safer alternative than existing treatments available on market today.

Sublingual Immunotherapy Administration

Sublingual immunotherapy is a method of administering allergen extracts for the treatment of allergic conditions. The allergen extracts are placed underneath the patient’s tongue with medical supervision, where they diffuse through the skin and mucous membranes. This method has been found to be as effective as traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy ( SCIT ) and is seen as a much safer and more convenient procedure, with less risk of anaphylaxis—a life-threatening severe reaction that can occur during SCIT.

Although the exact process may vary slightly between doctors, there are generally two stages involved with SLIT treatment. The first stage involves the application of increasing doses over an extended period of time until the maximum tolerated dose is reached; this provides desensitization to certain types of allergens. Once this is achieved, the patient then enters into a maintenance phase which involves regularly taking smaller doses to prevent future allergic reactions to these allergens. It usually takes up to one year before the maximum benefit from SLIT is obtained although some studies suggest it may be in less time than that.

In addition, it’s important for patients to keep their dosages consistent; otherwise, they may experience a resurgence or missed benefits from this form of immunotherapy. If you or someone you know suffers from allergies and wants to try out sublingual immunotherapy, speak with your physician about counseling on proper dosage consistency and whether or not it’s right for you!

Sublingual Immunotherapy Risks or Adverse Effects

While it is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks associated with it. The most common risk associated with SLIT is that of local reactions. These can range from itching and redness at the immunotherapy site, to swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat. In more serious cases, adverse reactions like anaphylaxis can occur which may require emergency medical attention.

Another risk of SLIT lies in the fact that it can take several months to achieve clinical efficacy - so patients should be aware that they may need to take immunotherapy for longer than anticipated in order to see desired results.

Finally, SLIT has been linked to increases in asthma symptoms and disease severity when administered alongside certain drugs or breathing treatments using medications like corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Therefore, if you are receiving SLIT alongside another therapy or treatment for asthma or allergies, it's important to discuss possible repercussions with your doctor beforehand.

The Latest Update on Sublingual Allergy Immunotherapy

Sublingual allergen immunotherapy is quickly becoming one of the most popular treatments for allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, respiratory allergies, and other conditions. It works by delivering a small dose of an allergen to the body via drops placed under the tongue without inducing allergic symptoms.

Recently, researchers through a number of clinical trials have been making significant strides in better understanding SLIT and how it works as well as determining its clinical efficacy. For example, one recent research found that SLIT can produce long-term benefits or relief from allergies at lower doses than traditional oral immunotherapy (OIT). The study also suggests that SLIT may be more effective than OIT in reducing inflammation related to allergies.

These findings are very exciting because they suggest that SLIT could be an effective option for those who are too susceptible to traditional oral immunotherapy. Additionally, these early studies indicate that this treatment may offer fewer side effects and a higher degree of safety than traditional oral immunotherapy. As research in this field continues to grow, we expect to learn more about the potential benefits of sublingual immunotherapy as well as any possible risks associated with its use.

To learn more about the long-term benefits of Sublingual Immunotherapy in the United States, contact an ENT doctor in Philly.