About Allergies: More Data on Sublingual Immunotherapy

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Immunotherapy is the only treatment for allergies that can reduce or eliminate the need for medications. Traditionally, immunotherapy in the United States has been delivered via injections, which need to be given under direct medical supervision, are time-consuming, inconvenient and can potentially cause severe allergic reactions. Sublingual (under-the-tongue) immunotherapy has been used extensively in Europe for many years, and has benefits similar to the injectable version. However, sublingual immunotherapy is safer, and can be taken at home. A study presented this week at the 2010 annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reported the benefits of a sublingual grass tablet for the treatment of grass pollen allergy. Subjects were treated with a daily tablet containing grass allergen, placed under the tongue, for 16 weeks before the grass pollen season, and continued until the end of the pollen season. Allergy symptoms were reduced approximately 20% in those taking the sublingual grass tablet compared to those taking placebo tablets, and were generally safe and well-tolerated. While sublingual immunotherapy is not yet FDA approved in the United States, this study is a sign that approval could occur in the near future. Sublingual Immunotherapy Sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT, is a form of immunotherapy that involves putting drops of allergen extracts under the tongue. Many people refer to this process as "allergy drops," and it is an alternative treatment for allergy shots. This form of immunotherapy has been used for years in Europe... Read more Grass Allergy Grass pollen is known to cause a variety of different allergic reactions. Grass pollen is present in the air in the late spring and early summer months, which can cause allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and asthma. Direct skin contact with grass, from sitting in the grass or mowing the lawn, can cause itching of the skin... Read more Which Therapy is Best: Allergy Shots or Allergy Drops? European allergists have been treating allergy sufferers for years with sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops under the tongue. This may be a cost-effective alternative to allergy shots, which some view as a painful therapy, particularly in children. But most allergists in the United States like the idea of sublingual immunotherapy, which may be able to be given at home, rather than in the doctor's office, as is the case with allergy shots. The allergy drops may be safer and nearly as effective as the current form of allergy shots. While not currently FDA approved, sublingual immunotherapy is likely on the horizon for use in the United States. And for those who fear needles used in traditional allergy shots, sublingual immunotherapy may be just what the doctor ordered.... Read more Allergies Ads Allergies Dog Skin Allergies MSG Allergy Symptoms Allergy Treatment Skin Allergy Featured Articles Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Drug and Latex Allergies Insect Allergies Anaphylaxis Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies   More from About.com Thanksgiving Recipes Herb-roasted turkey with cornbread stuffing, cranberry relish and roasted squash, sweet and tart fruit pies, and many more. More> Choose the Perfect Gift Whether you're looking for teens, teachers, grandparents or even pets, we have suggestions to make shopping easier. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement