Advanced Food Allergy Treatment to Help You Live Life to the Fullest
Living with food allergies can be challenging and stressful for you and your family. At Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center, we understand the daily concerns and limitations that food allergies can create. That’s why we’re proud to offer Food Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), an innovative treatment option conducted in partnership with The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Our team of board-certified allergists is dedicated to providing personalized care and ongoing support to help you manage your food allergies more confidently and safely.
What is Food Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)?
Food SLIT is a specialized treatment that helps reduce your sensitivity to specific food allergens. The treatment involves placing a small amount of liquid containing food allergen under your tongue, where it’s held briefly before swallowing.
This method works by introducing controlled amounts of allergen to your immune system in a gentle way. Over time, daily treatment helps train your immune system to be less reactive to the food you’re allergic to.
Why Choose SLIT?
- Safer than other food immunotherapy options with fewer side effects
- Can be taken at home after initial supervised appointments
- Uses smaller, more manageable doses
- Helps reduce anxiety around food allergies
How SLIT Works
Your mouth contains special immune cells that are naturally designed to help your body tolerate substances you consume. SLIT takes advantage of these cells to help retrain your immune system’s response to specific food allergens.
Unlike other treatment approaches, this method works with your body’s natural processes, making it a gentler way to build food tolerance over time.
Treatment Process
Getting Started Before beginning SLIT, you’ll meet with one of our board-certified allergists who will:
- Review your medical history and current allergy management
- Perform baseline breathing tests and blood work
- Conduct skin testing if needed
- Determine if you’re a good candidate for SLIT
- Explain the treatment process and answer your questions
Build-Up Phase
- Treatment starts with a very small dose of food allergy extract that is generally well tolerated
- Doses gradually increase over time
- Several supervised appointments in our office for dose escalations
- Our medical team monitors you closely during each increase
- Regular dose increases until you reach maintenance level
Maintenance Phase
- Daily dose taken at home
- Regular supply provided at each refill
- Regular check-ins with your allergist
- Treatment duration varies by individual needs
Safety & What to Expect
Your Safety is Our Priority
- All dose increases happen under medical supervision in our office
- Emergency medications are readily available at all times
- Trained healthcare providers monitor you during and after appointments
- You’ll receive an epinephrine auto-injector for home use
- Clear emergency action plans provided to you and your family
Common Side Effects Most patients experience mild side effects, especially during the first few weeks:
- Itching in the mouth, throat, or ears (usually temporary)
- Mild swelling in the mouth
- These effects typically decrease over time
Serious reactions are rare but possible. Our team will teach you how to recognize and respond to any concerning symptoms.
Who is a Good Candidate?
You may be a candidate for Food SLIT if you:
- Are at least 12 months old
- Have documented food allergy confirmed by testing or food challenge
- Are in good overall health
- Can commit to daily dosing and follow-up appointments
- Want protection against accidental exposure (not free eating of allergenic foods)
Treatment Goals
What SLIT Can Do:
- Increase the amount of allergen needed to cause a reaction
- Provide protection against accidental exposure
- Reduce anxiety around food allergies
- Help you feel more confident in daily activities
Important to Understand:
- SLIT is not a cure for food allergies
- You should continue avoiding your allergenic foods
- Results vary from person to person
- Low dose food challenges after treatment may be an option
Program Costs
Insurance may not cover SLIT, but your FSA/HSA may be used in most cases. Please contact us for an appointment to discuss costs and payment options further.
We’ll work with you to understand all costs upfront, so there are no surprises.
Why Choose Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center?
Comprehensive Care You Can Trust:
- Board-certified allergists with specialized food allergy expertise
- 16 convenient locations across the region
