OIT, SLIT and SCIT, explained.
Three routes to the same goal: teaching the immune system to tolerate an allergen. Here is how they differ day to day, and what is worth tracking.
Oral immunotherapy (OIT)
A measured amount of the food (peanut, milk, egg, tree nuts…) is eaten every day, starting tiny and increasing on a schedule set by the allergist. Dose increases happen in clinic; the same dose is repeated at home in between. Most protocols ask for a rest period after each dose (no exercise, hot showers or alcohol for two hours) because those raise the chance of a reaction.
Track: every dose (time, taken with food), the rest period, missed doses, and any symptoms in the hours after.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)
Drops or a tablet held under the tongue daily, for environmental allergens (grasses, ragweed, dust mite, cat, dog) or foods such as peanut and cashew. The first dose is taken in clinic; after that it is a home routine. Western Allergy participated in Canada's first SLIT trial in 2001 and has supplied SLIT as custom name-patient prescription compounds ever since.
Track: daily adherence (SLIT only works if it is taken most days), mouth itch or swelling, and any change in seasonal symptoms.
Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT)
Allergy shots, given in clinic on a build-up schedule (often weekly) and then a maintenance interval (every 2–6 weeks). Patients wait in clinic for a set observation period, usually 30 minutes, after each injection.
Track: appointment dates, the vial and dose, the observation timer, local swelling at the injection site (size in mm), and any delayed reactions.
Whichever you're on
- Never change a dose yourself. Missed doses can mean the schedule needs adjusting, call the clinic.
- Carry epinephrine if your allergist prescribed it, and know the signs of anaphylaxis.
- Bring a summary to appointments. A month of honest logs is worth more than a memory.
Educational content, not medical advice. Follow your allergist's instructions. In an emergency, call 911.