Most Effective Length of Treatment With Sublingual Immunotherapy

Allergic rhinitis (sneezing, congestion, runny nose) and conjunctivitis (itchy, red, watery eyes) are extremely common conditions. Exposure to environmental allergens such a pollen, dust, mold and animal dander can cause symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and red, watery and itchy eyes. Often patients prefer holistic treatments to alleviate their symptoms as opposed to having to take medications daily. Currently allergen immunotherapy is the only way to naturally modify the cause of allergic diseases. The efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), using drops placed under one’s tongue, has been confirmed scientifically by many meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Additional studies have been performed in an effort to ascertain the ideal length of time a person should be maintained on sublingual immunotherapy in order to obtain optimal results. A study published in the International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology in January 2016 concluded that the most effective duration of the course of treatment for sublingual immunotherapy is three years. In this study the patients who were treated with sublingual immunotherapy for three years reported a dramatic reduction in, or elimination of, their symptoms and had the greatest reduction in their use of allergy medication. The study concluded that patients who completed three years of sublingual immunotherapy enjoyed significantly greater benefits as compared with patients who underwent sublingual immunotherapy for only one or two years.

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