Natural Allergy Therapy

An individualized approach to allergy care

Specific Immunotherapy (SIT) is an immunological approach to the treatment of respiratory allergic diseases, and can improve allergy symptoms, reduce the need for antihistamine medication to treat the symptoms, and provide long-term benefits to prevent the development of asthma and new allergies. SIT can be divided into two treatment methods called Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT). SCIT is typically done in an allergist’s office and is commonly referred to as “allergy shots”. Alternatively, SLIT is a solution that is administered under the tongue without the use of a needle and can be done from the comfort of your home.

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) acts on immunological mechanisms which alter the allergic immune response and improve your allergy symptoms. SLIT is treatment of allergies using oral dosing (drops under the tongue) of a diluted solution containing an allergy (the substance the individual is allergic to). The therapy is currently offered for the treatment of airborne allergens such as dog and cat dander, grass and tree pollen, dust mites, and moulds.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Many published scientific studies have demonstrated that SLIT significantly reduces allergy symptoms. Exposure to small amounts of the allergen overtime increases the body’s tolerance to these allergens and improves overall immunity. By enhancing immune tolerance, one’s allergic response is dampened.

WHAT CONDITIONS does it treat?

• Allergic rhinitis

• Seasonal allergies

• Allergic conjunctivitis

• Allergic asthma

• Airborne allergies: dust, tree/grass/ragweed pollen, cat/dog dander, moulds

What are the benefits?

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) is an advantageous way to treat allergies without injections and is well-suited to the needle-phobic patients, children, travellers and the elderly. Individualized immunotherapy solutions that can be taken under your tongue from the comfort of you home and saves you countless trips to the doctor’s office, saying your both time and money.

IS SUBLINGUAL IMMUNOTHERAPY EFFECTIVE?

Immunotherapy commonly results in an early reduction in allergy symptoms during treatment, and it offers long-term reduction in symptoms, and prevention of progression of asthma and new allergies even after discontinuation of SLIT treatment. You can expect to see a reduction in allergy symptoms within two weeks to two months.

The efficacy of specific immunotherapy is a function of the duration of immunotherapy treatment. It takes time for your body to habituate to allergens and restore function to your immune system and regulate your allergic response. Therefore, it is recommended to take immunotherapy for 2-5 years to achieve lasting results. Those who do immunotherapy for the prescribed duration are able to discontinue SLIT and maintain long-term resolution of allergic disease without relapse.

Is Sublingual IMMUNOTHERAPY safe?

Side effects are usually local and mild, and are minimized by working with your Naturopathic Doctor to carefully individualize your immunotherapy protocol. In comparison to SCIT, where diluted allergens are injected into the skin subcutaneously, SLIT has a better safety profile with much lower risk of adverse reactions.

SLIT natural allergy treatment is currently offered at many prestigious hospitals, such as John Hopkins. The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed sublingual immunotherapy as a viable alternative to injection immunotherapy.

HOW DO I determine which drops to take?

Initially, you will need to be seen by Dr. Nicholas, a Naturopathic Physician certified in SLIT, who will assess if this therapies appropriate for you. If appropriate, the doctor will do an allergy test. This testing is similar to “allergy skin-prick” testing which you may have had done in the past. Based on your response to the various allergens, a customized immunotherapy formula will be prepared for you by the lab.

What does SLIT Testing and Therapy cost?

Please contact the clinic for pricing.

IS SLIT COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?

If you have extended health insurance, the testing, treatment visits, and immunotherapy drops may be covered up to 100% by your policy. When necessary, the prescription for your individualized immunotherapy can be filled at a local pharmacy in order to be covered by your prescription drug plan.

ARE THERE PEOPLE WHO who should not use this Therapy?

Yes there are certain contraindications for sublingual immunotherapy. Those with unstable asthma, autoimmune disease, severe immunodeficiencies, malignancies, and anyone taking beta-blockers (propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol) are not suitable candidates for this form of therapy. If you fall into this category, you are welcome to speak with the physician about other options that may be suitable for you.

At this time, food allergies cannot be treated with SLIT. It is best to strictly avoid food allergies.

Book a Discovery Call to determine if SLIT is right for you

Scientific Literature on Natural Allergy Therapy