Tablets composed of freeze-dried extracts from dust mites that dissolve under the tongue can improve asthma symptoms in patients with dust mite allergies, according to research presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology annual meeting.

Given the similar evidence for subcutaneous immunotherapy, these findings for the tablet form are welcome but no surprise, said Dr Janna Tuck, an allergist in private practice in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, who was not involved in the analysis.

“Once available, I think that US physicians will be happy to add (sublingual immunotherapy) to our options for treating allergic rhinitis and asthma. Our patients can choose shots or tablets and choice is good,” Dr Tuck told Reuters Health.

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