Practical study of sublingual immunotherapy in patients with japanese cedar pollinosis using a questionnaire comparison among the first season, second season and third season

Sublingual immunotherapy has been applied to patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis since 2014. However, no studies have been carried out to determine the efficacy of this treatment over the long term. Patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis who received this treatment from 2014 to 2017 were enrolled in this study. The clinical usage level, satisfaction level, and adverse effects of this treatment were investigated using a questionnaire among three groups patients treated from 2014 to 2017. The clinical usage level was more than 90% in all three groups, which was within acceptable limits. The subjective symptoms improved and the patients were satisfied with this treatment in all three groups. Of 356 patients, 32(9.2%)developed adverse effects with those involving the oral cavity and throat being the most common. Most adverse effects developing during the maintenance phase occurred within the first few weeks. All adverse effects in the present study were minor, and none necessitated treatment discontinuation. The incidence of side effects was higher in the first season than in the second season and third season(26.5%, 0% and 2.9%, respectively). These results led us to conclude that sublingual immunotherapy is an effective therapy for Japanese cedar pollinosis. However, clinicians must bear in mind that the appropriate management of adverse effects is mandatory for safety.