Sublingual Versus Subcutaneous Immunotherapy as Regards Efficacy and Safety in Allergic Bronchial Asthma

Background: For many years, the well-researched and efficacious treatment for allergic asthma has been subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). Since its introduction 20 years ago, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been used as a safer substitute for SCIT, with no recorded fatalities. Aim of the work: To compare the safety and effectiveness of SLIT with SCIT in the treatment of allergic asthma. Patient and Methods: Eighty asthmatic patients allergic to house dust mites participated in this non-randomized clinical research. They were split into two groups, the SCIT group (n=40) and the SLIT group (n= 40). Patients received a skin prick test, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin 10 (IL10), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and a complete history of allergies, symptoms, and drug ratings. The effectiveness and side effects of both treatment groups were assessed one year after the completion of the intervention. Results: The effectiveness of SCIT and SLIT was equal. Following treatment, there was a statistically significant drop in the overall IgE levels, medication ratings, and symptom scores. The levels of IL10 and FEV1 also increased statistically significantly. Regarding the effectiveness of the treatment, no difference was seen between the groups. Compared to SCIT, SLIT was much safer. Conclusion: Patients with asthma who were allergic to house dust mites responded equally well to both therapy modalities, while SLIT had a better safety profile than SCIT.