What is sublingual immunotherapy?
Sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) for foods, also known as SLIT, is a treatment for children and adults to safely build tolerance in case an accidental exposure to allergens occurs. For some, it may help them eat the food normally without any reaction. Allergy drops are administered by placing food extract drops under the tongue. Over time, this can induce tolerance so that the immune system stops reacting to the substance.
Allergy drops have been used in the Europe and the United states (including Dr. Dauby) for many years for the treatment of environmental allergies. The research now shows that food allergy drops can be an effective way to treat food allergies as well.
Dr. Dauby will formulates a special prescription of drops based on each individual's allergies – you will then take these 1-3 times daily to induce tolerance.
What is the goal of food sublingual immunotherapy?
The goal of sublingual immunotherapy treatment for food allergy will vary by individual. For individuals with mild to moderate allergies, it may be possible to reintroduce allergic foods fully into the diet. For individuals with very severe and life-threatening allergies, the goal is to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction to an accidental exposure. Food sublingual immunotherapy can also be used as a preparatory step before starting food oral immunotherapy (OIT).
Which food allergies can be treated?
Dr. Dauby treats a number of food allergies with sublingual immunotherapy, to include peanut, tree nuts, cow milk, wheat, egg, sesame seed, soybean, wheat, rice, fish, shellfish and many others.
Who is eligible for allergy drops?
Allergy drops are effective for those with true food allergies. They are not effective for food intolerances. Dr. Dauby offers food sublingual immunotherapy to adults of any age, and children as young as 1 year old.
How long does it take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of the food allergies and how compliant the person is in taking the prescribed treatment. For mild to moderate allergies, a common treatment length is two to five years. More severe food allergy cases can take longer.
How is SLIT different from food oral immunotherapy (OIT)?
Basically, SLIT is a slower process - it may take several years to reach a level of protection against accidental exposures - but there are less side effects and an extremely low risk for an allergic reaction. With SLIT, the dose is taken 1-3 times a day without any need to refrain from physical activities.
OIT is a more rapid treatment. One can generally reach protection for cross contamination in 6-7 months, and ability to consume a serving of the food in about a year or so. However, there is a higher (roughly 5%) risk of an allergic reaction. The OIT dose is given once a day and physical activity must be minimized for 2 hours after dosing.
Schedule a consult with Dr. Dauby today to find out more about allergy drops and if they are a good option for you or your child.
