Is there any side effect of sublingual immunotherapy?

Jul 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am allergic to dust mites, and upon exposure, I experience symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. I saw online that there is a sublingual immunotherapy treatment, but I'm concerned about side effects. I'd like to ask if there are any side effects associated with this treatment?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Sublingual immunotherapy, currently an effective immune therapy for allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, has relatively minor and mild side effects. The main side effects of sublingual immunotherapy include: 1. Local reactions: As the medication is administered sublingually, some patients may experience pricking, itching, or numbness under the tongue after long-term use. 2. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Prolonged use may lead to mild diarrhea, although usually not severe. 3. Systemic reactions: Some patients might experience headaches or general fatigue when treatment duration is long or dosing is irregular. However, these symptoms are generally mild and well tolerated. 4. Allergic reactions:个别 patients may experience worsening allergic symptoms such as rash or urticaria. In rare cases, asthma might be triggered. However, instances of anaphylactic shock are extremely rare. Sublingual immunotherapy is considered highly safe. Before starting treatment, patients should fully understand relevant information and undergo therapy under medical supervision. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention should be sought.