Oral immunotherapy, often referred to as sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT (a drop under the tongue) is a natural approach to treating allergies. It works by gradually exposing the patient to their allergens, giving the body time to naturally build up resistance. One builds up “blocking antibodies” instead of “allergy antibodies.” With the immune system restored to good health, few or no medications may be needed. The burden of allergies can be lifted, and allergies can be something that you just don’t think about anymore
SLIT is shown to be effective in treating pollen, dust mite, and animal allergies. Studies have shown that the benefits remain even after treatment has stopped.
SLIT is FDA approved in this country, but for only ragweed or grass pollen.
Since many patients in Southern California are allergic to more than one item, say a combination of dust mite, dog, cat, grass, and tree, we are making our own mix of sublingual immunotherapy that will combine multiple items in one drop. The frequency will be one drop under the tongue once a day. Benefits are often seen within two to four months.
SLIT is especially suited for people who have pollen, dust mite and/or animal allergies causing hayfever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma. The oral drops are very useful for people who do not like to take medications or who are not well controlled with the medications but cannot come to the office for allergy injections. The therapy is also very safe, with the worst reaction usually being itching in the mouth. We will not use them for food allergies.