SLIT vs. SCIT in Allergy Immunotherapy

By AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies on March 2, 2021 under Allergy

SLIT vs. SCIT in Allergy Immunotherapy

The nasal cavity is central in breathing processes. The nasal valve is the narrow, internal area of the nose that limits airflow. When it becomes narrower, collapses, or gets in touch with foreign materials, there are breathing problems. Stenosis is the resultant problem that occurs when the nasal cavity collapses; it restricts blood flow by shrinking blood vessels. Associates of Otolaryngology in Denver, Colorado, diagnose the specific issues and administer the right treatments.

What is Nasal Cavity Collapse?

Nasal cavity collapse is the narrowing of the nasal cavity, which results in restricted blood flow. The resultant effects include an obstruction in the breathing way or a completely blocked nasal cavity. The common symptoms of identifying this problem are nasal bleeding, nasal congestion, and snoring.

Treatments

Different treatments are depending on the severity of the condition. Some patients will get better using nasal dilators or nasal dilating strips, but others will call for SLIT or SCIT, more complex procedures.

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) procedure involves placing an allergen under the tongue. Immunotherapy treats the condition itself, unlike other medications or antihistamines, which treat the symptoms. It is the niftiest and safest type of preventing illnesses and immune-modifying treatment presently available. It is also known as allergy drops.

SLIT specifically engages oral Langherns cells; long-term uses to increase the patient’s allergic disease improvement, symptom relief, and boost the immune system. It does not cause any time inconveniences or interruptions as the doses are easily administered at home. It has minimal side effect risk contour.

SCIT, Subcutaneous immunotherapy treatment, involves injecting specific allergens, commonly known as an allergy shot and is mainly recommended for patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Its effectiveness is credited to its ability to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis and uses Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved allergens.

Which Treatment is Most Effective?

  1. Mono and Poly-Allergic Patients: SCIT is most appropriate for patients with poly-allergic conditions and seasonal aggravations of multiple allergens. SLIT treatments are recommended for individuals with mono-allergic conditions visible during ragweed/ grass seasons.
  1. Safety: SCIT’s incurring side effects include reactions to the injections on-site, which is rarely systemic. SLIT has minimal to no reactions on the mouth.
  1. Cost-effectiveness: SCIT and SLIT are quite affordable. They both reduce healthcare expenditures over time.

Currently, SLIT is used to treat nasal infections and congestions, while SCIT is used to treat hypersensitivity, Hymenoptera, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is also a preferred option in treating food allergies. It is still under research and studies as FDA does not currently support the procedures. It is limited to treating one allergen and requires long preparation for the appointment and fortnight- schedules after that.

However, SLIT is generally secure, the FDA’s non-clearance status of the treatment is because of its conjunction with epinephrine, which needs to be prescribed. Nonetheless, both SLIT and SCIT are accepted and approved nasal cavity treatment methods.

If the above treatment processes do not appeal to you, there is an implant, Latera, that can be an alternative in some cases.

Schedule an Appointment

For thorough nasal check-ups and efficient treatment by experienced practitioners, do not hesitate to book an appointment with Associates of Otolaryngology located in Denver, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock.