Oral Immunotherapy (OIT):
Method: OIT involves administering small, gradually increasing doses of the allergenic food orally (usually in the form of a food extract, powder, or solution) under medical supervision.
Administration: The allergenic food is typically consumed, with the initial doses being very small and then increased over time to build tolerance.
Target: OIT is primarily used for IgE-mediated food allergies, such as peanut or tree nut allergies.
Mechanism: OIT aims to desensitize the immune system by gradually exposing it to increasing amounts of the allergen, eventually inducing immune tolerance.
Efficacy: OIT has shown promising results in desensitizing individuals with food allergies, particularly to peanuts and tree nuts, but it requires strict adherence and carries the risk of allergic reactions during treatment.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT):
Method: SLIT involves placing drops or a dissolvable tablet containing allergen extracts under the tongue and holding them there for a specific period before swallowing or spitting out excess.
Administration: The allergen is absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.
Target: SLIT is primarily used for respiratory allergies (allergy rhinitis), such as pollen or dust mite allergies.
Mechanism: SLIT works similarly to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) by exposing the immune system to gradually increasing amounts of the allergen, leading to immune modulation and tolerance induction.
Efficacy: SLIT has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms and medication use for allergic rhinitis.
Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy – SCIT):
Method: Allergy shots involve injecting allergen extracts subcutaneously (under the skin), typically in the upper arm or thigh.
Administration: The allergen extract is injected in gradually increasing doses over time, with a build-up phase followed by a maintenance phase.
Target: Allergy shots are primarily used for respiratory allergies (allergy rhinitis), such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold allergies, but they can also be effective for some insect venom allergies.
Mechanism: Allergy shots work by exposing the immune system to increasing amounts of the allergen, leading to immune modulation, tolerance induction, and a reduction in allergic symptoms.
Efficacy: Allergy shots have been shown to be effective in reducing allergic symptoms and medication use for respiratory allergies, particularly for pollen and dust mite allergies. They are less commonly used for food allergies due to the risk of systemic allergic reactions.
Allergy immunotherapy administered via injections is performed under medical supervision and requires a prescription from an allergist or immunologist.