Sublingual and oral immunotherapy.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a viable alternative to the subcutaneous route for the treatment of respiratory allergy, whereas the pure oral route has been abandoned because of its lack of efficacy. The main distinctive feature of SLIT is its optimal safety profile, which has been demonstrated in adults and children. The indications for SLIT are similar to those for the subcutaneous route. A long-lasting effect has been demonstrated for the sublingual route, but data are needed to determine the optimal dose and the preventive effect in asthma.
Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Padiglione Maragliano, L.go R. Benzi 10, Genoa 16132, Italy. gcanonica@qubisoft.it
Giorgio Walter
GW
Canonica
Enrico
E
Compalati
Federica
F
Fumagalli
Giovanni
G
Passalacqua
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000379:methods*; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000628:therapy*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D010349:Patient Compliance