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Updated: May 20, 2026
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Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections
Published on: August 30, 2014
Treating allergic rhinitis by sublingual immunotherapy: a review
Cristoforo Incorvaia1, Alessia Di Rienzo, Camilla Celani
1Pneumologia Riabilitativa, AO Istituti Clinici di Perfezionamento, Milan, Italy. cristoforo.incorvaia@gmail.com
Annali Dell'Istituto Superiore Di Sanita
|July 4, 2012
Summary
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an effective and safe treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR). For optimal results, SLIT requires high doses administered regularly for at least three years, addressing the root causes of allergy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) presents a significant and growing global health challenge.
- Current AR management includes allergen avoidance, anti-allergic drugs, and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT).
- AIT is unique in addressing allergy causes and modifying disease progression, with sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) emerging as an alternative to subcutaneous immunotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for allergic rhinitis.
- To synthesize evidence from controlled trials on SLIT's effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of all available controlled trials investigating SLIT.
- Inclusion of data from six meta-analyses globally evaluating SLIT trials.
Main Results:
- Over 60 controlled trials demonstrate SLIT's efficacy and safety in treating AR.
- Meta-analyses confirm the positive outcomes of SLIT across multiple studies.
Conclusions:
- SLIT is a proven effective and safe therapeutic option for allergic rhinitis.
- Clinical efficacy of SLIT is contingent upon adherence to trial protocols: sufficient dosages, regular administration, and a minimum duration of three consecutive years.
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