What Is Sublingual Immunotherapy for Allergies?
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy treats various conditions by introducing certain substances that activate or suppress the immune system. In the case of allergy immunotherapy, the immune system is retrained to develop an immunity or tolerance to harmless allergens instead of responding with an allergic reaction.
Every spring, millions of Americans brace for the onslaught of sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion that come with seasonal allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergies affect more than 50 million people in the United States each year. For many, over-the-counter medications only mask symptoms, leaving them searching for a long-term solution. The real question: Which allergy treatment actually works best—traditional allergy shots or the newer sublingual immunotherapy? Here’s what you need to know to make an informed choice.
Understanding Allergy Immunotherapy
What is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy is a medical approach that retrains your immune system to stop overreacting to harmless substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Instead of just treating symptoms, immunotherapy targets the root cause of allergies by gradually exposing your body to small, controlled doses of allergens. Over time, this process builds tolerance and reduces symptoms.
Types of Immunotherapy
- Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): Commonly known as allergy shots, this method involves regular injections of allergen extracts under the skin, usually in a doctor’s office.
- Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): This newer method uses drops or tablets placed under the tongue, which can be taken at home.
Imagine a patient with severe grass pollen allergies. With immunotherapy, their immune system gradually learns to ignore the pollen, leading to fewer symptoms each season.
How Does Sublingual Immunotherapy Work?
Mechanism and Process
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) involves placing a tablet or liquid containing allergen extracts under the tongue daily. The allergen is absorbed through the oral mucosa, where immune cells process it and signal the body to reduce its allergic response over time.
Key Benefits of SLIT
- Home-Based Treatment: After the first dose in a doctor’s office, you take SLIT at home, making it convenient for busy schedules.
- Needle-Free: No injections are required, which is ideal for children or anyone with needle anxiety.
- Safety Profile: SLIT has a lower risk of severe allergic reactions compared to shots, and side effects are usually mild (such as mouth itching or throat irritation).
- Customization: Allergy drops (a form of SLIT) can be tailored to your specific allergy profile, addressing multiple allergens at once.
Limitations of SLIT
- FDA Approval: In the U.S., only certain SLIT tablets are FDA-approved and covered by insurance. Allergy drops are widely used but considered “off-label” and may not be covered.
- Consistency Required: Daily dosing is essential for effectiveness, and missing doses can reduce results.
“Sublingual immunotherapy is a safe, convenient option for many patients, especially those who want to avoid frequent office visits or injections.” — Dr. Manan Shah, ENT and allergist at Wyndly.
Traditional Allergy Shots
How Allergy Shots Work
Allergy shots (SCIT) involve injecting small amounts of allergens under the skin, usually in the upper arm. The process starts with weekly injections during a build-up phase, then shifts to monthly maintenance shots. This method has been used for decades and is supported by extensive research.
Advantages of Allergy Shots
- Broad Effectiveness: Proven to work for a wide range of allergens, including severe cases and multiple allergies at once.
- Insurance Coverage: Typically covered by most insurance plans.
- Long-Term Relief: Many patients experience significant improvement or even complete relief after several years of treatment.
Drawbacks of Allergy Shots
-
Time Commitment: Requires frequent visits to a doctor’s office, especially in the first year.
-
Needle Discomfort: Injections can cause pain, swelling, or anxiety for some patients.
-
Risk of Reactions: There’s a small risk of severe allergic reactions, so shots must be administered under medical supervision.
Comparing Sublingual Immunotherapy and Allergy Shots
| Criteria | Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) | Allergy Shots (SCIT) |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | At home, under the tongue | In doctor’s office, injection |
| Convenience | High (no office visits) | Low (frequent visits needed) |
| Needle-Free | Yes | No |
| Customization | High (drops can be tailored) | High |
| Insurance Coverage | Limited (drops often not covered) | Widely covered |
| Safety | Lower risk of severe reactions | Slightly higher risk |
| Onset of Relief | 3-4 months for most | Often faster in build-up phase |
| Duration of Treatment | 3-5 years | 3-5 years |
Both SLIT and SCIT are effective for long-term allergy relief, but the best choice depends on your lifestyle, allergy profile, and treatment goals.
At-Home Allergy Treatment: The Wyndly Approach
Personalized Sublingual Immunotherapy
Wyndly specializes in personalized sublingual immunotherapy, offering a modern alternative to traditional allergy shots. Here’s how Wyndly stands out:
- Virtual Consultations: Connect with board-certified doctors online, eliminating the need for in-person visits.
- Custom Allergy Drops: Wyndly creates a unique blend of allergens based on your test results, targeting your specific triggers.
- Home Delivery: Medication is shipped directly to your door, making it easy to stay on track.
- Long-Term Relief: Wyndly’s approach retrains your immune system for lasting results, not just temporary symptom control.
- Expert Support: Ongoing access to allergy specialists ensures your treatment is monitored and adjusted as needed.
Step-by-Step: How Wyndly Works
- Meet virtually with a Wyndly doctor to review your allergy profile.
- Complete an at-home allergy test or upload existing results.
- Receive a personalized treatment plan and custom allergy drops.
- Take your medication daily at home, with regular check-ins for progress.
Wyndly vs. Traditional Clinics
- No weekly office visits or injections
- No waiting rooms or travel time
- Direct access to allergy experts from anywhere
Example: A busy parent with seasonal allergies uses Wyndly’s at-home drops, avoiding weekly trips to the clinic and still achieving long-term relief.
Effectiveness, Safety, and Industry Trends
What Does the Research Say?
Recent studies confirm that both sublingual and subcutaneous immunotherapy are effective for treating allergic rhinitis, asthma, and other conditions. However, sublingual therapy is associated with fewer side effects and greater convenience, especially for those with mild to moderate allergies or needle aversion.
- Efficacy: Both methods reduce symptoms by at least 40% compared to over-the-counter medications.
- Safety: SLIT is considered safer, with a lower risk of severe reactions.
- Adherence: At-home treatments like SLIT improve adherence, which is critical for long-term success.
Telehealth and at-home allergy care are rapidly growing, with more patients seeking personalized, convenient solutions that fit their lifestyles.
Expert Framework: The Immunotherapy Decision Matrix
When choosing between SLIT and SCIT, consider these factors:
- Allergy Severity: Severe or multiple allergies may respond better to shots.
- Lifestyle Needs: Those with busy schedules or needle aversion benefit from SLIT.
- Insurance Coverage: Check if your plan covers your preferred method.
- Allergen Profile: Some allergens are only available in certain formulations.
Learn More With Wyndly
At Wyndly, we believe allergy care deserves undivided attention and modern treatments. We use sublingual immunotherapy to train your body to ignore its allergy triggers. Interested? Start with our candidacy quiz to see if you’re a fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for sublingual immunotherapy to work?
Most people notice improvement in 3-4 months, with full benefits after 3-5 years of consistent use.
Is sublingual immunotherapy covered by insurance?
SLIT tablets for certain allergens are covered, but custom drops are often not. Wyndly offers transparent pricing and can help you navigate coverage options.
Can I treat allergies at home?
Yes. With Wyndly, you can complete testing, consultations, and treatment entirely from home, under the guidance of board-certified doctors.
Does Wyndly work for seasonal allergies?
Wyndly’s personalized drops are designed to target the root cause of seasonal allergies, providing long-term relief for most patients.
