Allergen immunotherapy for immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic airway diseases

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic bronchial asthma are among the most common chronic diseases in childhood. In addition to pharmacotherapy and allergen avoidance strategies, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) provides a causal therapeutic approach. A number of success factors for an effective treatment can be identified. These include a clinically well-documented association between symptoms and allergen exposure by a clear history or provocation testing as well as a management strategy established at the start of treatment to ensure adherence over the usually 3-year treatment period. Knowledge of possible contraindications and trained procedures for dealing with anaphylactic side effects, which are overall very rare, are necessary. A particular challenge is posed by the rapidly changing product range under the influence of the therapy allergens regulation.