Allergy Sufferers Have Another Option For Immunotherapy

News: From GeorgeTown University
Allergy Relief Right Under Your Tongue?
April 24, 2007

Allergy Sufferers Have Another Option For Immunotherapy

(Washington, DC) Michael Gibson of Northern Virginia suffered from such debilitating headaches that often he could not sleep at night. “Sometimes you just hold your head and it hurts so bad it brings you to tears,” he said. Gibson had numerous operations including sinus surgery until his physician, Suzette Mikula, MD, ENT surgeon at Georgetown University Hospital decided to test him for allergies.

“We discovered that Mr. Gibson had an allergy to dust as well as several food allergies, which were a surprise to him. It wasn’t convenient for him to come once a week for allergy shots, so I decided to try the allergy drops under the tongue, technically called sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT,” Dr. Mikula said.

“We are in the midst of allergy season now and I’ve already had patients calling me with itchy, watery eyes and stuffy and runny noses. For most people, over the counter allergy remedies work or maybe I’d start them on some prescription medications like steroid nasal sprays. But when someone’s airways are blocked or they’re wheezing or in the case of Mr. Gibson who suffered such debilitating headaches, I like to explore immunotherapy,” Dr. Mikula said.

“With SLIT, instead of weekly shots we have the patient administer their own drops from a dropper bottle under the tongue, everyday. It takes 2-3 years until they completely build their immune system and tolerance to things they’re allergic to, which is slower than the allergy injections. But using the drops has many benefits: they’re easier for the patient who can administer their own drops at home instead of making a weekly doctor’s appointment for a shot. It’s a great alternative for adults and children who are afraid of needles, and for those who are highly reactive to shots. To date there have been no reports of any anaphylaxis or mortality due to the drops. Allergy shots carry a rare risk of death due to anaphylactic shock,” said Dr. Mikula.

“I started the drops for both dust and food allergies back in the fall of 2006. I know that six months after starting the drops I have had NO headaches. I have started to wean some of the foods I’m allergic to back into my diet and I am doing great,” said Mr. Gibson.

In 1998 SLIT was endorsed by the World Health Organization as a viable alternative to allergy injections. Physicians in Europe have been practicing SLIT for about 40 years and the procedure is gaining support among allergists in the United States as well as otolaryngologists who practice allergy treatment. Immunotherapy works by slowly exposing the body to precisely the thing it’s allergic to. Over time, the body’s immune system builds immunity to the allergen that’s in the drops and the patient’s symptoms improve.

The serum for SLIT is not always covered by health insurance, although a patient’s allergy testing often is covered. Depending on the allergy, the drops cost between US $150 a month. “When I was taking pain medications for my headaches, I’m sure my insurance company was not happy about the cost of my prescriptions, which were very expensive. I don’t have to travel to take a weekly shot, I just take it under my tongue and let my immune system do the rest,” said Mr. Gibson.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates 35 million Americans suffer with springtime allergies and about half do little or nothing to help themselves.

Book an appointment with HealthSense Specialist Dr. YT Pang to look at your ENT problems and get cured.