SLIT vs OIT

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a method that tries to treat allergies by exposing individuals to small allergen amounts held under the tongue. Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) treats diagnosed food allergies, inducing tolerance through gradual allergen exposure. Though both these forms of immunotherapy are used in the management of food allergies, there are 4 major differences between SLIT and OIT.

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION:

SLIT: As the name suggests, the allergen extracts are administered under the tongue. The individual holds the solution or tablet there for a specific period before spiting out or swallowing.
OIT: This method involves the direct ingestion of small, controlled amounts of the allergen, usually in the form of the allergenic food itself.

SITE OF ACTION:

SLIT: The immune response is primarily targeted in the mucous membranes present under the tongue, where the allergen is held before swallowing.
OIT: The immune response is initiated in the gastrointestinal tract as the allergen is ingested and processed by the digestive system.

DOSAGE AND ESCALATION:

SLIT: The dosage is controlled through the concentration of the allergen extracts administered under the tongue. Escalation typically involves increasing the concentration over time.
OIT: The dosage is controlled by the amount of the allergen ingested. Escalation involves gradually increasing the amount of the allergenic food consumed during treatment.

TREATMENT DURATION:

SLIT: Treatment with SLIT often involves daily administration of allergen extracts over an extended period, ranging from several months to years.
OIT: The duration of OIT can vary, but it often involves a more extended initial build-up phase followed by a maintenance phase. The maintenance phase may last for an extended period, potentially several years.

⚠️ Both SLIT and OIT must be conducted under the guidance of a qualified allergist or immunologist, as these treatments can carry risks, and their effectiveness can vary among individuals.