Sublingual Immunotherapy in Corpus Christi, TX
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an alternative method of allergen immunotherapy in which allergen extracts are administered as drops or dissolvable tablets placed under the tongue rather than by subcutaneous injection. Extensively used in Europe for decades, SLIT is increasingly adopted in the United States as a convenient, home-based approach to allergen desensitization. At Corpus Christi ENT Sinus & Allergy, Dr. Todd M. Weiss offers sublingual immunotherapy as part of our comprehensive allergy management program.
How Sublingual Immunotherapy Works
The sublingual mucosa is rich in tolerogenic dendritic cells and regulatory T cells capable of inducing antigen-specific tolerance. When allergen extract is held under the tongue for one to two minutes before swallowing, it is absorbed through these mucosal surfaces and promotes tolerance rather than an allergic response. Over time, repeated exposure induces the same immunological shifts as subcutaneous immunotherapy: a shift toward regulatory T cell responses, production of blocking antibodies, and reduced end-organ reactivity.
Advantages of Sublingual Immunotherapy
- Convenience: doses are administered at home daily, eliminating frequent office visits during the build-up phase
- Improved safety profile: risk of systemic allergic reactions is significantly lower than with subcutaneous injection
- Can be initiated and maintained in patients living at greater distance from the clinic
- Suitable for most pediatric patients who cannot tolerate injections
- Appropriate for patients averse to injections
Efficacy
Clinical trial data for SLIT demonstrate meaningful improvement in allergy symptom scores and reduced rescue medication use. FDA-approved sublingual tablet products for grass pollen (Grastek), ragweed (Ragwitek), and dust mite (Odactra) allergy have demonstrated robust efficacy in randomized controlled trials.
Custom SLIT Drops
In addition to FDA-approved allergen tablets, our practice formulates custom multi-allergen SLIT drops tailored to each patient’s individual sensitization profile. This allows treatment of multiple allergens simultaneously particularly advantageous in polysensitized patients with reactivity to a broad panel of regional allergens including trees, grasses, weeds, dust mites, and mold.
The Treatment Protocol
Following allergy testing, a customized SLIT extract is prepared. Patients administer drops under the tongue daily, holding for one to two minutes before swallowing. The dose is incrementally increased over the build-up phase before being maintained at the target dose. Treatment is continued for a minimum of three years to achieve durable benefit.
Is SLIT Right for You?
Dr. Weiss will evaluate your allergen sensitivities, symptom severity, lifestyle factors, and treatment preferences to determine whether subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy or a combination is most appropriate for your individual situation.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’d prefer allergy treatment without weekly office visits, sublingual immunotherapy may be a convenient option. Call us at (361) 320-6130 or connect with us online to schedule a consultation.