Tips for successful sublingual immunotherapy: Tips for continuing treatment with peace of mind

1. Tips for staying motivated

2. How to deal with side effects that may occur during treatment

3. How to get the most out of it

summary

Sublingual immunotherapy is a treatment that has the potential to fundamentally improve allergy symptoms, but because it takes a long time, it is not uncommon for people to give up midway through. To be successful with this treatment, it is essential to maintain motivation, respond appropriately to side effects, and devise ways to maximize the effects. This article will introduce specific tips for success.

1. Tips for staying motivated

Incorporating it into your daily life

• Make it a routine

By having your treatment at the same time as you brush your teeth and have breakfast every morning, you can make it a habit you will never forget .

Just try to keep it up for 2-3 weeks!

→Maybe it will become a natural habit!!

• Alarm reminder

Set an alarm on your smartphone to have your treatment at the same time every day.

Makes it easier to feel the effects

• Keep a record

Try recording any changes in your symptoms in a diary or record app. Seeing small changes, such as "I'm sneezing less today," can help motivate you to continue treatment.

Visible Results

Marking the days of treatment on a calendar gives you a sense of accomplishment that you have made it this far.

Set a reward for yourself

Small goals and rewards

By giving yourself a small reward, such as eating your favorite sweets after continuing for a month, you can make continuing your treatment more enjoyable.

• Share your achievements with family and friends

By sharing that "my hay fever has gotten a little better," you can receive support from those around you, which will help you maintain your motivation.

2. How to deal with side effects that may occur during treatment

Sublingual immunotherapy is considered to be highly safe, but the following mild side effects may occur in the early stages of treatment:

Common Side Effects

Itching or swelling in the mouth

You may experience a slight discomfort under your tongue or in your throat.

Mild indigestion

Some people may also experience stomach discomfort.

Dealing with Side Effects

• Treating mild symptoms

Drinking cold water after treatment may help relieve itching and discomfort. Please do not push yourself and observe the condition.

Consult a doctor

If symptoms bother you, consult your doctor to adjust your treatment dosage.

• Prepare for serious symptoms

In the unlikely event that a severe reaction such as anaphylaxis occurs, it is important to be prepared to seek medical attention promptly.

Get an EpiPen prescribed in advance

Before you begin sublingual immunotherapy, consider talking to your doctor about getting a prescription for an EpiPen, an important tool to have in case of an emergency.

Check how to use it

It is a good idea to receive instructions from a doctor or nurse on how to use an EpiPen in advance and share this information with your family and those around you.

• Inject into the outer thigh.

• Seek medical attention immediately after use.

3. How to get the most out of it

Follow your doctor's instructions exactly

Adhere to dosage and schedule

The basis for efficacy is to administer the prescribed amount at the prescribed time. If you increase or decrease the amount arbitrarily, you may not get the desired effect or may experience side effects.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

• Nutritiously balanced diet

Eating fish containing omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin-rich vegetables can help support immune function.

Get enough sleep

Getting 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep is important for a healthy immune system.

Moderate exercise

Light exercise can help boost your immune system and improve the effectiveness of your treatment.

Regular consultations with your doctor

• Proceed while checking the effects

Keep regular visits with your doctor to monitor the progress of your treatment so that your doctor can adjust your treatment plan based on your symptoms.

summary

To make sublingual immunotherapy successful, it is important to maintain motivation, deal with side effects appropriately, and establish lifestyle habits that will maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. Treatment is long-term, but small daily efforts will lead to big improvements in the future. Please continue as much as you can. We hope that your allergy symptoms will gradually improve in the future!