Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an emerging treatment that helps reduce a child’s sensitivity to certain food allergens. Small amounts of the allergenic food are placed under the tongue every day, allowing the immune system to become gradually less reactive over time.

While SLIT is not always a cure, in some cases it can be, and for most children, SLIT may help protect against accidental exposures and reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

 

Our goal is to help your child:

•Reduce the risk of reactions from accidental exposures

•Build a small but meaningful amount of protection

•Feel more confident and less anxious about everyday life

•Improve overall quality of life

 

Most children continue to avoid the allergenic food even after successful treatment.

 

Treatment begins with a very small dose given in our office. If tolerated, your child will continue daily treatment at home.

The process includes:

•Initial visit: First dose given under medical supervision.

•Dose increases: Periodic office visits to safely increase the dose.

•Maintenance: Once the target dose is reached, your child continues the same daily dose for months or years.

 

Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor progress and make adjustments when needed.

 

SLIT has been studied for many years and is generally considered one of the safest forms of food allergy immunotherapy.

Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as:

•Itchy mouth or tongue

•Mild lip or throat tingling

•Mild stomach discomfort

More serious allergic reactions are uncommon but can occur. Every family must have an epinephrine auto-injector available and know when to use it.

 

SLIT may be a good option for children who:

•Have a confirmed food allergy

•Want additional protection against accidental exposures

•Are able to take a daily treatment consistently

•Have families committed to regular follow-up appointments

Your allergist will discuss whether SLIT is appropriate based on your child’s allergy history and overall health.

 

 

Usually not, but in some cases, yes. The purpose of SLIT is to provide protection from accidental exposures—not necessarily to allow unrestricted eating of the allergenic food.

 

Most children remain on treatment for several years. The exact length depends on your child’s progress and response.

 

Yes. After the first supervised dose and scheduled dose increases in our office, daily treatment is given at home.

 

If your child is ill, skip the dose and contact our office. Missing several days of treatment may require restarting under medical supervision.

 

Office visits are generally billed through your insurance. The customized SLIT extract is not typically covered by insurance and is available for $145 per month.

 

Every child is different. During a consultation, we’ll review your child’s allergy history, discuss treatment options, answer your questions, and determine whether SLIT is the right choice for your family.