Allergy Treatments Unveiled: SLIT vs. Allergy Shots
In the quest for allergy relief, two standout treatments—Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) and Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy or SCIT)—each offer unique benefits and approaches. Understanding these options can help you make an informed choice for managing your allergic asthma and other allergies.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Your Convenient Allergy Solution
What is SLIT?
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) is a modern, user-friendly allergy treatment. Instead of dealing with injections, SLIT involves taking a small dose of the allergen under your tongue daily. This method helps your body build tolerance to allergens, reducing symptoms over time. A 2010 study in the Annals of Thoracic Medicine confirmed that SLIT effectively reduces asthma symptoms and medication use by modifying the immune system’s response.
What Can SLIT Treat?
SLIT is particularly effective for respiratory allergies such as those triggered by pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. If the thought of seasonal allergies makes you groan, SLIT might just be your ticket to relief.
How Does SLIT Work?
SLIT works by gently training your immune system to become less reactive to allergens. It’s a long-term treatment that gradually diminishes the intensity of allergic reactions. After initial guidance from a healthcare professional, you can often self-administer the treatment at home. SLIT requires a daily dose for at least 12 months and must be prescribed by a qualified professional.
Allergy Shots (SCIT): The Traditional Approach
What Are Allergy Shots?
Allergy Shots (SCIT) involve injecting allergens directly into the skin, typically administered in a healthcare setting. This method covers a wide range of allergens, including environmental triggers and insect venom. SCIT has been shown to provide significant improvement in patients, often within the first year of treatment.
How Does SCIT Work?
SCIT works by gradually desensitizing your immune system to specific allergens through regular injections. Due to the risk of severe allergic reactions, these shots are administered by a healthcare provider. Patients usually receive weekly shots for several months before transitioning to less frequent maintenance doses.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Both SLIT and SCIT aim to desensitize the body to allergens, but they offer different levels of convenience and risk. SLIT provides a more flexible and less invasive option, ideal for those with busy lifestyles. On the other hand, SCIT is a well-established method that requires regular visits to a healthcare provider.
Choosing the best treatment depends on your allergy profile, lifestyle, and medical history. If you're struggling with allergies and want to explore your options, our expert naturopathic doctors are here to help. Book a free discovery call today to learn more about how SLIT or SCIT could work for you.
By: Madison Isenor, B.Sc Health Sci, ND Candidate 2025