Healing Cedar Wellness
  • Home
  • About us
    • Clara Cohen, R.Ac | DTCM
    • Dylana Elliot, RMT
    • Dr. Hyegwi Koh, R.Ac | DrTCM | RM
    • Jacqueline Harrison, RMT
    • Dr. Imane Squalli, ND
    • Jenna Knight, R.Ac
    • Lisa Lawrie, RMT
    • Rachel Mole, RMT
    • Robin King, R.Ac
    • Dr. Samantha Petrin, ND
    • Sara Utecht, RMT
    • Shannon Halpin, RMT | HCW Owner
    • Tiffany Kusnezov, RCC
    • Zack Young, RMT
  • Services
    • Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine >
      • FAQ
    • Cosmetic Services >
      • Cosmetic Acupuncture
      • Microneedling & Nanoneedling
    • Craniosacral Therapy
    • Gua Sha & Nervous System Acupuncture
    • Massage Therapy
    • Naturopathic Medicine
    • Resources >
      • Women's Health, Fertility & Pregnancy
      • Mental Health
      • Nutrition & Recipes
  • Fees
  • New Patients
  • Contact us

Blog

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Improve Your Quality of Life This Allergy Season with Dr. Meghan Stobbs ND

4/11/2013

3 Comments

 
allergy acupuncture
What is SLIT?

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an injection free natural treatment that addresses the underlying cause of environmental allergies.  The therapy involves exposing a patient to small doses of the allergen(s) under the tongue, which helps to re-train the immune system to become less reactive.  This process is called desensitization, and can be used to treat hay fever allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic asthma in adults, and children over 3 years of age.

Sublingual immunotherapy has endorsement from the World Health Organization, the World Allergy Organization, and the Cochrane Collaborations, and has been used for over 60 years in various countries.  Over 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals have shown that sublingual immunotherapy is both safe and effective, and when compared to conventional allergy shots, it costs less, is more convenient, and requires fewer clinical visits.

How does SLIT work?

Like injection therapy, SLIT works by changing the body’s ability to react with allergens.  A small dose is given every day sublingually (under the tongue), which desensitizes your immune system to the allergen(s).

An initial allergy scratch test is first performed to determine which allergens you are reacting to (skin prick testing cannot be undertaken in pregnant women, and individuals taking B-blockers). The first dose of the indicated allergen(s) is given in office, and subsequent daily doses of the allergy drops are taken at home.  Retesting after 6 months of treatment will determine if the allergy drops are still needed.

SLIT can be used during the allergy season, or preventatively 30-60 days prior to the offending allergy season.  Treatment continues to the end of the allergy season, or beyond if indicated. 

Types of allergens tested and treated include cat and dog dander, dust mites, tree pollen, weeds, grasses and mold.

Picture
When should I start SLIT treatment?

Preventatively:  Treatment should start 4-8 weeks prior to the offending allergy season.
Co-seasonally: Treatment during the allergy season can be started at any time.  

BC Allergy Seasons:
  • Tree pollen: February to June
  • Grass: May to August
  • Weed: August to November
  • Mold, dust and dander:  There is no season for these allergens – treatment can start at any time.

Appointments and Fees for Sublingual Immunotherapy

If you are a new patient to Dr. Stobbs, expect to be at the clinic for a 1-hour initial visit where your medical history is reviewed, questions are addressed, and the allergy scratch test is performed.  If you are a returning patient, a 30 minute appointment to perform the allergy test is needed, and you will be asked to wait for an additional 15 minutes in the reception area prior to going home.

Our comprehensive testing fee is $75.00 plus GST, or $15.00 plus GST per individual allergen.  The cost of the allergen drops will depend on the number of allergens being treated.  For individuals with extended medical plans, the cost of the allergy drops may be covered with submission of your receipt.  Please check with your insurance agency or employer for details.

Dr. Stobbs will fax the prescription in, and your allergy drops will be shipped to Healing Cedar Wellness for pick up.  The first dose of the medicine must be administered at the clinic, which requires a 15-minute follow-up appointment for observation, and overview of medicine administration and dosage.

Dr. Meghan Stobbs
Naturopath Doctor
Healing Cedar Wellness



Studies and Articles on SLIT

Preventive effects of sublingual immunotherapy in childhood: an open randomized controlled study
Marogna, Maurizio; Tomassetti, Dante; Bernasconi, Antonella; Colombo, Fausto; Massolo, Alessandro; Rienzo Businco, Andrea D.; Canonica, Giorgio W.; Passalacqua, Giovanni; Tripodi, Salvatore
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 101, Number 2, August 2008 , pp. 206-211(6).

Effects of sublingual immunotherapy for multiple or single allergens in polysensitized patients
Marogna, Maurizio; Spadolini, Igino; Massolo, Alessandro; Zanon, Pietro; Berra, Daniele; Chiodini, Elena; Canonica, Walter G.; Passalacqua, Giovanni
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 98, Number 3, March 2007 , pp. 274-280(7)

Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy in grass pollen allergy
Wessner D, Rakoski J, Ring J. Chemical Immunology and Allergy. 2003;82:53-61.

3 Comments
Loretta Livingstone link
4/11/2013 10:03:31 pm

I have just started on this treatment, (just contacted you on Twitter) and have been trying to connect with others to share our experiences. I came up with nothing, so I started a Facebook page about my personal experience. I don't know if you would be interested in seeing it or not, but if you are you can find me here https://www.facebook.com/myhayfevertreatment

Reply
Victoria Addington link
11/24/2022 07:41:49 am

Thank you for letting me know that sublingual immunotherapy changes the body’s capacity to respond to allergens. My friend wants to learn more about this treatment. I think it's best for him to take sublingual immunotherapy training to gain knowledge and skills.

Reply
Iris Smith link
3/20/2023 09:43:50 pm

I appreciate you mentioning that SLIT alters how the body responds to allergens, similar to injectable treatment. For her wedding, my buddy wanted to feel and look good. I'll advise her to consult an injection treatment professional before getting married.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Healing Cedar Wellness'
    Blog

    Our fantastic team of practitioners contribute to our blog articles. Together we aim to restore balance within the body, educate each patient and guide them on their journey to optimum health. Our clinic offers natural health for the entire family, from babies to older adults and everyone in between.

    Archives

    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    February 2015
    October 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012

    Categories

    All
    Acupuncture
    Allergy
    Anxiety
    Arthritis
    Chinese Herbal Medicine
    Constipation
    Counselling
    Depression
    Diet
    Endometriosis
    Fatigue
    Fertility
    Gluten Free
    Healing Cedar Wellness
    Immune System
    IVF With Acupuncture
    Lifestyle
    Massage Therapy
    Menopause
    Natural Health
    Naturopathic Medicine
    Nutrition
    Parenting
    Port Moody
    Pregnancy
    Recipe
    Stress
    Weight Loss


    Disclaimer
    Healing Cedar Wellness.com Terms And Conditions Of Use

    All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of this site will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owners will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.This terms and conditions is subject to change at anytime with or without notice.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About us
    • Clara Cohen, R.Ac | DTCM
    • Dylana Elliot, RMT
    • Dr. Hyegwi Koh, R.Ac | DrTCM | RM
    • Jacqueline Harrison, RMT
    • Dr. Imane Squalli, ND
    • Jenna Knight, R.Ac
    • Lisa Lawrie, RMT
    • Rachel Mole, RMT
    • Robin King, R.Ac
    • Dr. Samantha Petrin, ND
    • Sara Utecht, RMT
    • Shannon Halpin, RMT | HCW Owner
    • Tiffany Kusnezov, RCC
    • Zack Young, RMT
  • Services
    • Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine >
      • FAQ
    • Cosmetic Services >
      • Cosmetic Acupuncture
      • Microneedling & Nanoneedling
    • Craniosacral Therapy
    • Gua Sha & Nervous System Acupuncture
    • Massage Therapy
    • Naturopathic Medicine
    • Resources >
      • Women's Health, Fertility & Pregnancy
      • Mental Health
      • Nutrition & Recipes
  • Fees
  • New Patients
  • Contact us