RESUMO
Numerous sublingual immunotherapy studies have shown efficacy using a wide variety of dosing regimens. Despite a few grade III and one anaphylactic reaction due to a patient over-dose, there have been no fatal reactions resulting from sublingual immunotherapy treatment. Although safer than SCIT, SLIT is still immunotherapy. Special consideration should be given to what will ensure the highest level of safety for the patient given his or her history, exam and allergy test results. Dosing levels for sublingual immunotherapy should be based on what is therapeutically effective for each individual patient and adjusted accordingly throughout the treatment course.
RESUMO
UNLABELLED: Specific immunotherapy is a very powerful tool which is currently underutilized in the treatment of allergies. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has many advantages over subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), and has been well proven to work for many pollens and dust mites. Multiple studies have shown SLIT improves symptoms and reduces the reliance on medications. Sublingual treatment has been studied in Europe and is endorsed by the World Health Organization Committee on Immunotherapy as a viable alternative to SCIT. CONCLUSION: SLIT offers another option for patients who are not currently candidates for subcutaneous immunotherapy. Because of improved safety, convenience and compliance, sublingual immunotherapy should be used as a first-line treatment option.
