SLIT therapy in asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Traditional management primarily relies on pharmacological interventions, leading to substantial healthcare expenditures. In recent years, sublingual allergen-specific immunotherapy (SLIT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach, offering not only clinical efficacy but also economic benefits. This talk aims to highlight the economic advantages of SLIT, its potential in asthma prevention, and its role in reducing medication use.

The economic burden associated with asthma is a significant concern for healthcare systems globally. Asthma- related healthcare costs include physician visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and medication expenses. By addressing the underlying immunological mechanisms of asthma, SLIT has the potential to reduce asthma-related healthcare costs significantly. Studies have demonstrated that SLIT can modify the natural course of the disease, resulting in a decreased reliance on symptom-relief medications such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.

Moreover, SLIT has shown promise in asthma prevention. Early intervention with SLIT in patients with allergic rhinitis, a common precursor to asthma, has been associated with a reduction in the development of asthma. By targeting the underlying allergic response, SLIT can modify the immune system's response to allergens, potentially halting the progression from allergic rhinitis to asthma. This preventive aspect of SLIT not only improves patient outcomes but also has a considerable economic impact by reducing the long-term healthcare costs associated with managing established asthma cases.

Furthermore, SLIT offers the potential to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations, thereby decreasing the need for rescue medications, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits. The MITRA trial demonstrated a reduction in asthma exacerbation rates in patients receiving SLIT. Sublingual allergen- specific immunotherapy represents a promising therapeutic approach for asthma management. This talk will also address the art and science of incorporating SLIT into clinical practice.