Sublingual Immunotherapy Now FDA Approved For Grass And Ragweed Allergies

iStock_000040681136SmallSublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) uses rapidly dissolving oral tablets or oral solution placed under the tongue to treat allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, offering convenience to the patient. It has been approved in Europe for many years, and is now available in the United States. The sublingual drops take the place of subcutaneous immunotherapy injections which have, until now, been the mainstay of allergy therapy.

SLIT for grass allergy is approved for patients aged 5-65, SLIT for ragweed allergy is approved for patients aged 18-65. Like conventional subcutaneous injections, SLIT prevents new sensitization and progression to asthma. It is a disease- modifying therapy. The optimal duration of SLIT is 3—4 years. Most patients will need retreatment in 7-8 years. Side effects of therapy are minimal and include itching of the mouth and throat and a sensation of swelling in the mouth.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive allergy treatments including sublingual immunotherapy to her patients. Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Autumn Leaves Can Lead To Mold Allergies

Leaves left on the ground during the fall season decompose and allow mold spores to grow. These spores then become airborne and can trigger sinus problems, asthma symptoms and swelling around the eyes. Climate change and super storms are causing mold counts to climb higher and linger for longer. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, rising counts of the mold Alternaria have been directly linked to asthma exacerbations. Another type of mold called Aspergillis is also a common cause of allergic sinusitis and asthma symptoms. Allergy skin testing can determine if mold is a trigger for symptoms that patients may be experiencing. If the testing comes back positive, allergy immunotherapy utilizing sublingual drops may effectively eradicate negative symptoms.

Dr. Anne Herman offers allergy testing and sublingual immunotherapy to her patients. Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

How Can Sublingual Allergy Therapy Help Me?

Allergies occur when your body perceives irritants such as dust, molds, or pollens as threats and an immune response is launched.  Reactions can include sneezing, runny nose, skin rashes, and wheezing.  Prescription and over-the-counter medications can alleviate symptoms, but do not relieve the causes of the allergies.  Immunotherapy, which includes sublingual (under the tongue) allergy therapy, desensitizes your body to these irritants or antigens.   Very small doses are introduced to your body via serum.  As treatment progresses the concentration of antigens in the serum increases.  Thus  your immune system learns to ignore the antigen.

Sublingual therapy has been popular throughout the world for over 50 years, and is now becoming popular in the United States.  The serum that you place under your tongue is the same serum that is used in allergy shots.  Within a few months, you should realize a significant reduction in the need for allergy medications.  By the end of four years of sublingual therapy use, your environmental allergies should be in remission!

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers sublingual allergy therapy to her patients.  Locations are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.