Sublingual Immunotherapy in Children

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis and food allergies are two of the most prevalent chronic medical diseases affecting children. Poorly controlled allergic rhinitis symptoms may impact quality of life and missed school days. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that sublingual immunotherapy is effective in decreasing hypersensitivity to allergens such as dust mite, pollens, and cockroach. Research evaluating efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy for peanuts is promising; however, sublingual immunotherapy for food allergy should only be performed in a research setting until further evidence demonstrates consistent safety. Sublingual immunotherapy is an effective and safe alternative to more traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy, is well tolerated, and has good compliance among pediatric patients. The majority of adverse events with sublingual immunotherapy are reported as minor and have a lower systemic complication rate compared to subcutaneous immunotherapy, an important consideration among children.