Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections
16:56

Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections

Published on: August 30, 2014

17.6K

Steroid sparing effect of sublingual immunotherapy: real life study in mono/polisensitized children with asthma

Nerin Nadir Bahceciler1, Nilufer Galip1, Arzu Babayigit1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Allergy & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, North Cyprus.

Immunotherapy
|November 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) helps children with asthma reduce their need for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). This steroid-sparing effect was observed in both single and multiple allergen treatments, with longer treatment duration showing greater ICS avoidance.

Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Childhood asthma management often relies on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
  • Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an alternative treatment for allergic asthma.
  • The steroid-sparing potential of SLIT in pediatric asthma requires further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the steroid-sparing effect of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in children with asthma.
  • To compare ICS avoidance rates in mono-sensitized versus polysensitized asthmatic children receiving SLIT.
  • To investigate the impact of different SLIT allergen types (mono, simultaneous, pollen-mix) on ICS usage.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 90 children with asthma undergoing allergen-specific SLIT between 2010-2014 was retrospectively analyzed.
  • Asthma control and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) usage in the preceding year were recorded.
  • ICS avoidance was defined as achieving asthma control without ICS for at least six months.

Main Results:

  • Overall, 70% of children achieved ICS avoidance.
  • No significant difference in ICS avoidance was found between mono- and polysensitized patients.
  • Higher ICS avoidance rates were observed with longer SLIT duration (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

  • Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) demonstrates a steroid-sparing effect in childhood asthma, enabling ICS avoidance.
  • SLIT is effective in both mono- and polysensitized children, including those treated with multiple or mixed allergens.
  • Further research is recommended to explore the specific steroid-sparing benefits of SLIT in polysensitized pediatric asthma patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
allergen immunotherapyasthmainhaled corticosteroids

More Related Videos

Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies10:31

Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies

Published on: October 25, 2018

12.9K
Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis07:22

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Published on: May 31, 2021

9.6K

Related Concept Videos

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
1.9K
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers01:19

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
1.9K
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
1.6K
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview01:17

Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
1.2K
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines01:24

Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines

Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
1.7K
Antiasthma Drugs: &#946;2-Adrenoceptor Agonists01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists

Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce...
1.8K