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Updated: May 12, 2026

Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections
Published on: August 30, 2014
Sublingual immunotherapy in preschool children: an update
Giovanna Vitaliti1, Piero Pavone, Francesco Guglielmo
1Pediatric Complex Operative Unit and Pediatric Emergency Care, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. giovitaliti@yahoo.it
Abstract:
Allergen immunotherapy is a subject widely debated by allergists. Currently, there are controversial discussions focused on the sublingual route. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has so far been used in Europe, Asia and Australia for the treatment of allergic respiratory diseases. The minimum age to start specific immunotherapy with inhalant allergens in children has not been clearly established, and position papers discourage its use in children younger than 5 years of age. Nevertheless, it is known that SLIT efficacy is higher when SLIT is started at an earlier age. The aim of this review is to focus on studies in preschool children evaluating SLIT safety and efficacy, in order to improve this practice at an earlier age in childhood.

