SUBLINGUAL IMMUNOTHERAPY
ALLERGY RELIEF IS Possible
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
There is an allergy treatment that doesn't involve weekly visits to the doctor's office for allergy shots. A newer option is sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), where allergen extracts are administered as tablets or liquid drops under the tongue. While not as well-known as traditional allergy shots, SLIT has been shown in numerous studies to be a safe and effective treatment approach for certain allergies. It works by training the immune system to build tolerance against specific allergy triggers.
What is Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an allergy treatment that involves placing small doses of an allergen extract under the tongue to help treat certain allergies. It is a relatively new approach compared to traditional allergy shots with an allergist, but numerous studies on SLIT have shown it to be a safe and effective option for both adults and children.
With SLIT, liquid allergen extracts or tablets that contain glycerin and the allergen are placed under the tongue and held there for 1-2 minutes before swallowing. The small doses of allergen are given daily at first, during a build-up phase. The dose is then maintained at the same level during a maintenance phase that continues for 3-5 years. SLIT can be self-administered at home after the first dose is given under medical supervision.
SLIT works by exposing the immune system to the allergen in a controlled, consistent way. Over time, this trains the body to better tolerate the allergen rather than overreacting and triggering allergy symptoms. It helps shift the immune response and reduce allergic inflammation.
Which Allergies Can Be Treated With SLIT
SLIT tablets are now FDA approved for treating certain pollen and dust mite allergies. SLIT drops can also be prescribed, but are considered "off-label" in the U.S. since they are not officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, the allergen extracts used in the drops are FDA approved.
With SLIT drops, the treatment is customized based on a patient's allergy test results to determine which specific allergens should be included. This allows SLIT drops to address a wider range of allergies than the standardized tablets. Allergies that can potentially be treated with SLIT include:
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Grass, tree, weed, and other pollen allergies
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Dust mite allergy
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Pet dander
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Asthma triggered by airborne allergens
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Food allergies like peanut
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Venom allergy from insect stings
Some key benefits of SLIT over traditional allergy shots are:
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Taken at home - no need to go into the doctor's office for injections
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Safe with minimal risk of severe allergic reactions
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Allows flexibility to travel without interrupting treatment
While sublingual immunotherapy is generally very safe, the most common side effects are localized mouth or throat irritation, especially when first starting treatment. There is a small risk of systemic allergic reactions, but anaphylaxis is extremely rare.
Comprehensive Care
At Premier Health & Wellness in The Woodlands, Texas, we're committed to providing comprehensive care, and our Sublingual Immunotherapy program is no exception. Our experts tailor treatments to your specific needs, making allergy management easier than ever. Plus, we offer the convenience of telehealth appointments, ensuring you can access our top-notch care from the comfort of your own home. Explore our innovative approach to wellness and experience the difference at Premier Health & Wellness.
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Allergy relief is possible, and we are here to help you every step of the way. If you or someone you care about is suffering from allergies, please reach out to us and schedule an appointment.