Is It Possible to Treat Dust Mite Allergies with a Pill?

Let us begin with an unsettling fact: despite your house being immaculate, you are sharing it with microscopic squatters. It is impossible to completely eradicate dust mites, which are small arachnid cousins of spiders and ticks. They reside in the softest places in our homes, such as couches, beds, pillows, and even that cherished armchair you believe to be clean. They feed on the skin cells we lose every day.

They are invisible to the human eye and do not bite, yet for millions of individuals, they are the cause of a never-ending cycle of sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and persistent "why do I always feel like I have a cold?" suffering. Even when you are far from a dusty attic or other obviously unclean area, if you have dust mite allergies, you probably already know that this annoyance persists.

The good news is that there is a new method of treating dust mite allergies that does not involve the monthly allergy shots or a lifetime of sprays, medications, and tissue boxes. It is known as sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT, and it is available as a pill.

Dust Mite Allergy 101: The Uncleanable Itch

Taming your surroundings, such as vacuuming with HEPA filters, washing your linens in hot water, and covering your bed with allergen-resistant covers, is usually the first step in managing a dust mite allergy. These actions can definitely lessen your exposure, but they almost never completely remove symptoms.

Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), often known as allergy shots, has long been the primary treatment of choice when cleaning and over-the-counter drugs like steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines are insufficient. Despite being quite successful, SCIT requires a significant time commitment: weekly injections for approximately a year, followed by monthly visits for a maximum of five years. And because there is a slight but genuine chance of severe allergic reactions, everything must be done in a doctor's office.

A Revolutionary: Sublingual Immunotherapy, or SLIT

The allergy medication that is changing the guidelines is called SLIT. This treatment, which was approved by the FDA in 2017 and is marketed under the name Odactra, provides the same type of immune training as allergy shots but uses a once-daily tablet that dissolves under the tongue in place of needles.

Yes, there will be no waiting areas, no weekly visits, and no arm aches. merely a small tablet taken at home in comfort. SLIT is a revelation for people who are afraid of needles or are unable to make regular trips to the doctor.

However, is it secure?

The safety and efficacy of SLIT were examined in a significant international study that was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The findings were convincing. A year was spent tracking more than 1,600 subjects, half of whom were on SLIT and the other half on a placebo. Individuals on SLIT reported fewer symptoms related to the nose and eyes, and they required less medication to manage their allergies. No occurrences of life-threatening responses (anaphylaxis) occurred, and only four persons in the therapy group needed epinephrine.

Of course, there are limitations to SLIT. Patients must carry an EpiPen because of the possibility of a major allergic reaction, which is rare, although it might cause moderate side effects including tingling under the tongue or an odd aftertaste. If you have a condition like serious heart disease that prevents you from using epinephrine, your doctor will not prescribe SLIT.

Then there is the insurance quagmire: SLIT can be expensive out of pocket, and many insurance companies still refuse to pay it. Therefore, even if it is convenient, it is not always available.

Who Is Most Suitable for SLIT?

Another catch is that SLIT works best if you have a dust mite allergy alone. Because SCIT (the classic allergy shots) can treat numerous allergens at once, they may be a better option if you are also susceptible to ragweed, grass, pollen, mold, or pet dander. At the moment, the FDA has also approved SLIT pills for grass and ragweed, but these treatments cannot be used in tandem. With SLIT, one allergen at a time.

To put it another way, SLIT is perfect for the dust mite purist someone whose primary (or exclusive) cause of allergies is those tiny mattress-dwellers.

The Wider View: Implications for Allergy Treatment

Even though it will not work for everyone, SLIT is an exciting step in the direction of more widely available, at-home treatments for long-term allergies. People who have busy schedules, are afraid of needles, or live far from allergy clinics will find it to be an especially appealing option. This might be your solution if you are sick of sneezing and traffic, but you are also terrified of years of vaccinations.

Furthermore, SLIT is still gaining popularity in the United States even though it has been used extensively in Europe for years. However, as more research demonstrates its effectiveness and safety and as more insurance plans adopt it, this small tablet may play a significant role in the treatment of allergies.

The Bottom Line

Can a dust mite allergy be treated with a pill? Yes, provided that the correct person takes the right medication. For those with dust mite allergies, sublingual immunotherapy presents a viable, low-maintenance substitute for allergy injections. It may significantly lessen your symptoms and dependency on daily medications, but it will not take the place of a clean environment or bedding that is free of allergens.

Consult an allergist. Get examined. And perhaps, just possibly, reduce your battle with dust mites to a small tablet that dissolves beneath your tongue.