Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an effective treatment for allergy sufferers that involves administering allergy drops or tablets under the tongue. SLIT reduces the body's sensitivity to allergens for both children and adults through controlled exposure over time. Treatment can take a few months, but the results are long-lasting, and many studies highlight its effectiveness.
Before you start immunotherapy, you will need to undergo allergy testing. Your provider needs to know which allergens are triggering your allergy to recommend the best course of action.
What Is Sublingual Immunotherapy?
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a treatment that helps reduce allergy symptoms by gradually desensitizing your immune system to allergens. Unlike traditional allergy shots, which involve injections, SLIT is administered in the form of drops or tablets that are placed under the tongue.
There are some important differences between SLIT allergy drops and allergy tablets. Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of each treatment and what option might work best for you.
How Does Sublingual Immunotherapy Work?
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) helps your body become less sensitive to allergens by gradually exposing it to small amounts of the substances that trigger your allergies. This allows your immune system to slowly get used to the allergens, so it doesn't overreact when you're exposed to them in the future. Over time, this process helps reduce allergy symptoms, making it easier for your body to handle allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
SLIT vs Antihistamines
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) works differently from traditional antihistamines (the go-to medication for allergies). Antihistamines treat allergy symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes, SLIT addresses the root cause of allergies. Immunotherapy treatments like SLIT or allergy shots are the only long-term solution to allergies.
Sublingual Immunotherapy vs Allergy Shots
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy injections, have been the traditional method for treating allergies. Allergy shots work the same way as drops and tablets: they slowly train your immune system to tolerate allergens.
Once upon a time, the only way to do allergy shots was to get regular injections administered at a doctor's office. Now you can also do at-home allergy shots, which makes the process much more convenient. Allergy shots are also covered by most insurance plans. However, Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) can be a better choice for patients with a fear of needles or a preference for sublingual administration.
Sublingual Immunotherapy Success Rate
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has proven to be effective for many allergy sufferers, with studies showing that up to 80% of patients experience significant symptom relief after completing treatment. Most people begin to notice improvements within 3-4 months after starting treatment, and the benefits can last for several years, even after treatment ends.
For best results, SLIT usually needs to be taken daily for at least 3 years. Starting treatment early in the allergy season may lead to better results. SLIT is most effective for allergies to pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
Sublingual Immunotherapy In Louisville, KY and Kentuckiana
If you live in the Louisville area and suffer from allergies, Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) may offer relief. SLIT treats tree pollen allergies, such as those caused by oak, maple, birch, and cedar, bluegrass, timothy, fescue, ragweed and pigweed, which are commonly found in the Kentuckiana area. Additionally, SLIT treats mold spore allergies, which are common year-round in our humid climate, as well as indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites.
Ready for relief? Contact Advanced ENT & Allergy to see if SLIT is right for you. Schedule a consultation today!
Common Questions About Sublingual Immunotherapy
Is Sublingual Immunotherapy Safe?
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with both drops and tablets is considered a safe and effective treatment for most people with allergies. It has been widely used for years and is generally well-tolerated. However, as with any treatment, there are risks. Mild side effects, such as itching or swelling in the mouth, can occur but typically go away after a short time. In rare cases, more serious reactions may happen. Should that occur, contact your doctor immediately.
Is Sublingual Immunotherapy FDA Approved?
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets are FDA-approved for treating allergies to certain substances like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. SLIT drops are not currently approved by the FDA despite considerable evidence of their effectiveness and safety. SLIT drops have been considered the standard treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma in several European countries. If you are interested in pursuing either treatment with Advanced ENT, schedule a consultation with one of our providers to discuss your options.
Is Sublingual Immunotherapy Safe For Children Under Five Years Old?
Yes, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is considered safe for children under five years old, including those as young as three. A few decades ago, providers preferred to wait until children were over the age of 5 to begin treatment, but the age restriction was removed after multiple studies demonstrated that SLIT is both effective and well-tolerated in this age group.
