The allergy medicine known as sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT essentially delivers allergen extracts under the tongue. The mechanism of SLIT aids in desensitizing the immune system to allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, thus helping to decrease allergic reactions. The main advantage of SLIT is that it can be administered at home with the daily application of the medication, whereas, for allergy shots, patients have to visit the health provider weekly or bi-weekly. Companies like Curex offer SLIT in the form of allergy drops for those experiencing indoor and/or outdoor allergies.
SLIT is a treatment in which allergens interact with an overactive immune system after being absorbed into the blood by sublingual mucosa under the tongue. This exposure reprograms the immune system, which therefore becomes less reactive, and the allergic response is not as strong.
Furthermore, SLIT can easily be applied at home as compared to the allergy shots that a patient has to keep receiving at an allergy clinic or health care provider. Studies have confirmed that SLIT improves allergy symptoms and quality of life among many patients suffering from allergic rhinitis and asthma. The therapy is also proven to be safe with a low incidence of severe adverse events.
Commonly reported side effects with SLIT are usually mild and generally consist of symptoms like oral itching or swelling in the mouth and throat. There are several benefits of SLIT over other types of treatments, including antihistamines or decongestants. While drugs give temporary respite from allergies, SLIT actually acts on allergy causes and provides long-term benefits. Studies have shown that SLIT might reduce the severity of allergic symptoms, similar to allergy shots. In a nutshell, SLIT should be safe, effective, and comfortable for allergy patients. Desensitization of the body to some allergens can result in fewer severe impacts of allergic reactions, thereby making life better for many people. With demonstrated efficacy and benefit, SLIT is a promising treatment for long-term allergic relief.
