If you deal with allergies, you might’ve heard of allergy immunotherapy. It’s a powerful solution that offers promising results. It can dramatically improve the symptoms you experience from your allergies, potentially even allowing you to be around that allergen with minimal discomfort.
But for some, the prospect of allergy immunotherapy that involves needles and shots isn’t great. Whether you’re a needle-shy adult or a parent with a young child who hates needles, frequent allergy shots can be a pain. So, you might start exploring sublingual immunotherapy. But does it involve allergy shots? Let’s find out.
What is Sublingual Immunotherapy?
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a type of allergy immunotherapy. Like other types of AIT, it helps desensitize the body to a particular allergen through repeated exposure. However, unlike other types of allergy immunotherapy, namely subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots), it doesn’t involve needles.
Instead, sublingual immunotherapy is administered under the tongue. The word “sublingual” literally means “under the tongue.” It can be administered in the form of drops or tablets, although the former is more popular.
All you’ll need to do is set the tablet or place the drops under your tongue, let it sit as needed, and swallow. It’s as simple as that! This simplicity, paired with the lack of frequent doctor visits (necessary for SCIT due to higher chances of adverse reactions), makes it an ideal choice for kiddos and people with busy schedules.
You can administer the treatment from the comfort of your own home!
How Does Sublingual Immunotherapy Work?
Sublingual immunotherapy works by slowly desensitizing the body to a particular allergen through repeated exposure. So, let’s say you’re allergic to cat dander. Your drops or tablets would contain a small dose of the allergen.
The dose slowly increases over time, repeatedly exposing your immune system to the allergen. This gives your immune system an opportunity to build an allergen-specific tolerance, thus minimizing sensitivity when you’re exposed to the allergen.
We won’t go into too much detail about how this process works, but it essentially reduces the production of the “blocking” antibodies. These antibodies are responsible for kickstarting the allergic response when you’re exposed to the allergen.
When you’re exposed to the allergen, those antibodies communicate with cells throughout your body, triggering a chemical release that causes the symptoms you recognize as an allergic reaction. So, by reducing the production of those antibodies, your allergy drops or tablets are able to slowly desensitize your immune system to the allergen.
Of course, it’s important to note that this process doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it takes years to see great results. Most people see the best results in years two and three, although some may notice improvements within the first year. It all depends on how your body responds to the treatment.
Is Sublingual Immunotherapy Effective?
Allergy immunotherapy, including sublingual immunotherapy, is highly effective. While this might be your first time hearing about the treatment, it’s nothing new. In fact, it has been around for over a century! It was originally introduced in 1911 by Leonard Noon and John Freeman.
In the time since, researchers have explored its workings in depth. Their findings are reflected in hundreds of studies and trials, many of which are readily available online.
For example, one study evaluated both types of allergy immunotherapy, honing in on their impact on allergic rhinitis. It found that both sublingual (allergy drops) and subcutaneous (allergy shots) are effective and offer clinical benefits and immunological changes that indicate an allergen-specific tolerance.
Another study compared a control group to one treated with AIT. It found that the treated group had a much higher chance of stepping down asthma treatment than the control group. The treated group also had a significant reduction in asthma prescriptions and allergic rhinitis compared to the control.
What is the Difference Between Sublingual Immunotherapy and Other Immunotherapy?
Sublingual immunotherapy is one of two main types of AIT. The second type, called subcutaneous immunotherapy, involves injections. It’s the more common type of allergy immunotherapy and is widely used among adults.
The main difference between the two? The delivery method. While sublingual immunotherapy is administered under the tongue via drops or tablets, subcutaneous immunotherapy is administered under the skin via an injection.
Since it’s given directly under the skin, subcutaneous immunotherapy treatments require a doctor or allergist’s office for administration. The injections present a higher risk of an adverse reaction than sublingual immunotherapy, so you’ll need to visit your doctor or allergist for each injection. You’ll also need to stay for a little while after your injection for monitoring.
Wrapping Up
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers a needle-free alternative to traditional allergy shots. It’s a convenient and effective option for those seeking relief from allergies. It boasts a simple administration method and is just as effective as SCIT, making it a valuable treatment method for needle-shy individuals and kiddos.
Whether you’re considering allergy immunotherapy for yourself or your child, SLIT can be a wonderful option. Of course, it’s important to consult with your or your child’s healthcare provider before starting treatment. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the best avenue based on factors specific to you, including your budget and medical history.
