Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a non-invasive allergy treatment involving a small dose of allergen placed under the tongue. It offers an alternative to traditional allergy shots, aiming to reduce the body’s sensitivity to specific allergens over time for long-term relief.
How Sublingual Immunotherapy Works
Sublingual immunotherapy gradually trains the immune system to become less reactive to specific allergens. It involves exposing the body to increasing allergen doses to develop immune tolerance. When placed under the tongue, the allergen contacts specialized immune cells in the mouth’s mucous membranes.
These cells process the allergen, initiating desensitization. This encourages the immune system to produce blocking antibodies and promotes regulatory T cells, which help calm the immune system. This modulation reduces IgE antibodies, typically associated with allergic reactions. Through consistent exposure, the body gradually builds tolerance, leading to fewer or less severe allergic symptoms.
Conditions It Addresses
Sublingual immunotherapy addresses a range of environmental allergic conditions. It primarily targets allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, which causes symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. This includes allergies triggered by airborne substances like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.
SLIT is also used for indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and certain molds. By desensitizing the body to these triggers, SLIT aims to alleviate associated symptoms. While primarily focused on respiratory allergies, some forms of SLIT are also being explored for food allergies.
Administering the Treatment
Sublingual immunotherapy is typically administered daily at home, offering a convenient alternative to frequent clinic visits. The treatment usually comes in the form of a tablet or liquid drops. To administer, the patient places the tablet or drops directly under the tongue, where it is held for a specified duration, often one to two minutes, before being swallowed.
Consistency is important for the effectiveness of SLIT, requiring daily use over an extended period. This treatment course typically spans several years to achieve optimal and lasting results. The initial phase of treatment may involve a gradual increase in the allergen concentration, known as dose escalation, to help the body slowly adapt. Patients are generally advised to avoid eating or drinking for a short period, such as 15 minutes, immediately before and after taking the dose to enhance absorption.
Who Can Receive Sublingual Immunotherapy
Sublingual immunotherapy is generally considered for individuals experiencing moderate to severe allergic rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis. It is often an option for those whose symptoms have not been adequately controlled by standard allergy medications, or for individuals seeking an alternative to allergy shots. A healthcare professional, typically an allergist, determines eligibility for SLIT based on a comprehensive evaluation.
This evaluation includes a thorough review of the patient’s medical history, allergy testing to identify specific triggers, and a discussion of individual circumstances. While SLIT is generally well-tolerated, certain medical conditions or medications can be contraindications, meaning they might make the treatment unsuitable. For example, individuals with certain autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled asthma may not be ideal candidates. The decision to pursue SLIT is made in consultation with a qualified medical professional to ensure it is a safe and appropriate treatment option.