The Sublingual Immunotherapy Miracle: From Hayfever to Allergic Asthma

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are a common type of allergy affecting approximately 50 to 60 million people in the United States. This condition produces symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, headaches and stuffy nose. These symptoms are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to certain allergens, such as tree pollen, grass and weed, dust mites, or animal dander, which leads to nasal irritation or inflammation, resulting in blockages or congestion.

Mucus produced in the nose normally traps substances, like dust, pollen, pollution, and germs, such as bacteria and viruses. It flows from the front of the nose and drains down the back of the throat. When mucus production is excessive, it can flow from the front (like in a runny nose) or can be felt in the back of the throat as a postnasal drip. Nasal mucus is normally a thin, clear liquid, but it can become thick and colored, perhaps due to dryness, infection, or position. When postnasal drip is excessive, coughing is the most natural response for clearing the mucous.

Seasonal allergies can also cause asthma by triggering an allergic reaction in the airways, which leads to inflammation and constriction of the air passages in the lungs. This is known as allergic asthma. When a person with allergic asthma comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system overreacts and releases chemicals that cause inflammation in the airways. This inflammation can lead to swelling, mucus production, and constriction of the air passages, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of allergic asthma can include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These symptoms can be similar to those of non-allergic asthma but are triggered specifically by allergens.

In my office, treatment for seasonal allergies, hay fever, sinusitis, and allergic asthma includes identifying the triggering irritant via a simple blood test. Based on the results of the blood test, I begin a 6-week Sublingual Immunotherapy Treatment (SLIT) to desensitize the immune system to the allergen. The results are miraculous, and patients who have suffered most of their lives can breathe easy and reduce their risk of asthma attacks while improving their respiratory health. I have had excellent results with treating everyone from pediatric to geriatric patients.

Sublingual immunotherapy is a form of allergy treatment that involves administering very low dose allergens under the tongue. It is an alternative to traditional allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy), which involve injections of allergens into the skin. With this method of allergy desensitization, the idea is to gradually (over a few weeks). desensitize the immune system to specific allergens by exposing it to highly diluted amounts of the allergen. The treatment is typically administered at home, with drops placed under the tongue daily. This method helps the body build up a tolerance to the allergen, which results in reduced allergy symptoms and effect is long term to permanent without a need to repeat it every year.

Sublingual immunotherapy has proven to be a highly effective treatment for individuals suffering from conditions caused by pollen, dust mites, molds, grasses, weeds, and pet dander. Instead of waiting and struggling with these allergies, it is possible to permanently overcome them with minimal cost and effort. If you are struggling with environmental allergies, consider scheduling a visit with Dr. Kapoor, no matter which state you live in and get the optimal relief from those pesky environmental allergies.