Newer forms of immunotherapy are being developed. Sublingual immunotherapy uses a very high dose of allergen extract to be placed under the tongue for absorption. Initial studies suggest that it might be effective for allergic rhinitis and possibly asthma. More studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and also to determine its mechanism of action. We are currently conducting a large clinical study, which will eventually involve 120 patients with allergic rhinitis, to evaluate sublingual immunotherapy against house dust mites.
Patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis will be recruited. Skin tests to common allergens will be performed to confirm sensitization to house dust mites. A nasal challenge study will be performed to confirm that house dust mites can indeed cause nasal symptoms.
The patients will first be given conventional drug therapy including an antihistamine and a nasal spray. Patients who do not derive satisfactory results from this treatment will be randomized to receive immunotherapy or placebo for one year. The patients will be reevaluated every three months, and those that respond to treatment will have their nasal spray gradually withdrawn. Patients will fill in a report of their symptoms every week. At the end of one year, all patients on active treatment will continue for another year, and those on placebo will be switched to active treatment. Immunological parameters in the blood and nasal washings will be evaluated at the beginning of the study and after one year.
The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult physician before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.
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