Immunotherapy - Vaccines for allergic diseases.

Abstract

Allergic diseases are some of the most commonly encountered problems in clinical practice. Drugs such as corticosteroids and antihistamines can provide effective symptomatic relief, but do not alter the course of the disease. Specific immunotherapy (SIT) was first used to treat pollen allergy in 1911, and has since evolved into an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma. SIT has been shown in clinical studies to reduce symptoms and medication use in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma. Recent studies also showed that the therapeutic benefit is long-lasting after the completion of three to five years of treatment. SIT can also effectively reduce the risk of developing asthma and new allergic sensitizations in children with allergic rhinitis.