Oral Immunotherapy, or OIT, and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), are sometimes talked about as therapies for meals allergy. Every therapy has advantages, however they’re totally different approaches. Let’s speak about how they differ, and the way that may influence which strategy to decide on.
The one solution to deal with the reason for allergic reactions is thru immunotherapy, the place tiny doses of the substance the affected person is allergic to are given in growing quantities till the physique learns to tolerate it. Immunotherapy teaches the physique to not react to problematic allergens.
OIT and SLIT are two fashionable choices that don’t contain an injection. Each are taken orally — by the mouth — however there are some main variations within the therapy and security profile.
OIT
OIT is usually a capsule or powder that’s swallowed day by day, slowly introducing the physique to the offending allergen. With this therapy, antigen from one meals is in every capsule or powder. Usually, as soon as tolerance to that meals is constructed over time, sufferers might choose to deal with one other. Some personalized protocols deal with a couple of meals concurrently in every dose. The upkeep dose is often 300 to three,000 milligrams of antigen.
The most typical aspect impact of OIT is mouth itching, however extra critical negative effects have been reported. Results on respiratory and gastrointestinal signs are widespread, and epinephrine has been administered for extreme reactions with this therapy. Train is restricted for half-hour after every dose.
SLIT
SLIT for meals is a liquid drop that’s taken beneath the tongue. Because of sure cells beneath the tongue, it is a “privileged website” for serving to the physique acquire tolerance to substances — due to this fact the quantity of allergen wanted to construct tolerance is much less. Solely about 3-5 milligrams of antigen are used per dose, in comparison with the 300-3,000 milligrams utilized in OIT.
With SLIT following the La Crosse Methodology™ Protocol, the therapy is exclusive to every particular person affected person and their particular stage of sensitivity. As a result of the therapy is personalised, a number of meals allergic reactions will be handled at one time.
Analysis reveals that the personalization and using much less antigen will increase the protection profile of SLIT therapy. The usage of epinephrine for a life-threatening response has not been reported with this conservative protocol — the commonest aspect impact is mouth itching, and it often resolves itself over time.
Sufferers usually take SLIT for 3 to 5 years till tolerance is constructed, although sufferers with extra advanced meals allergic reactions might proceed therapy indefinitely.
Discovering the correct therapy for you
It’s vital to find out about all of your choices for meals allergy therapy. This presentation by Allergychoices’ Medical Advisor, Dr. Mary Morris, shares analysis and knowledge evaluating the 2 therapies.
Sufferers with extreme meals allergic reactions want extremely cautious initiation and dose will increase in an allergy clinic with added coaching and expertise in treating extreme meals allergic reactions.
If SLIT looks as if a therapy possibility for you, discover a supplier close to you that studies providing testing and therapy following the La Crosse Methodology and get on the trail to securely feeling higher.
