Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for treatment of asthma

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is used for treatment of rhinitis but its efficacy and safety in asthma is currently not well documented.

A Chest meta-analysis included 9 studies with a total of 441 patients. There was a significant reduction in symptoms and medication use following SLIT.

The authors concluded that SLIT reduces both symptoms and rescue medication use in children with allergic asthma compared to placebo.

References:
Metaanalysis of the Efficacy of Sublingual Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Allergic Asthma in Pediatric Patients, 3 to 18 Years of Age. Chest. 2008; 133:599-609.
Editorial: Is Sublingual Immunotherapy "Ready for Prime Time"? R. G. Townley. Chest, March 1, 2008; 133(3): 589 - 590.

Sublingual immunotherapy is an extremely complex issue in the U.S. - AAAAI http://goo.gl/wVOKr