After visiting Atlanta Memorial Park, do you have allergies that are not well-controlled with over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays? If so, you may be a candidate for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Sublingual immunotherapy works similar to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), more commonly known as allergy shots. They work by slowly increasing your tolerance to allergens over several years.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies occur when the immune system mistakes a harmless substance like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, certain foods, mold or insect stings as a dangerous intruder. To fight the intruder, your immune system releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which causes your cells to release histamine. Histamine can increase your mucus production and cause swelling and itching; this is what causes your allergy symptoms.
How Is SLIT Administered?
Before starting SLIT, you first need to undergo an allergy test. This step is to determine exactly what substances you’re allergic to and how strongly your body reacts. After testing, your allergist prepares drops or tablets containing the allergens.
When you take the drop or tablet, you’ll need to hold it under your tongue for one to two minutes before swallowing it. This process is repeated anywhere from three to seven days a week until you have developed a lasting immunity, usually three to five years.
The exact dosing and length of treatment varies depending on what you’re allergic to and how allergic you are. For example, for grass and ragweed allergies, you typically only need to take the drops/tablets before and during allergy season, while dust mite allergy drops/tablets usually need to be taken year-round.
Is SLIT Safe?
Clinical trials from the past 20 years show that SLIT is safe and effective for treating rhinitis and asthma symptoms caused by dust mites, grass, ragweed, cat dander and tree pollens. Newly emerging evidence indicates SLIT may also be effective for treating symptoms associated with hay fever, food allergies and eczema (in children).
Side effects are usually mild and include itchiness in the mouth and an upset stomach. Most side effects can be managed by adjusting the dose. In rare cases, anaphylaxis can result, which is why the first drops/tablets are administered in an allergist’s office where symptoms can be monitored.
For more information about SLIT or to schedule an appointment with an allergist, call the experts at ENT of Georgia today.
