Allergic disorders: When should you consider immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy is recommended for patients with insect venom hypersensitivity and those who have both allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Consider immunotherapy for patients whose allergic rhinitis is insufficiently controlled by medication and avoidance measures. A standard immunotherapy schedule entails injections of increasing concentrations of allergsns once or twice weekly during a buildup phase. Maintenance dosing is continued for 3 to 5 years. Immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis attributable to IgE-mediated mechanisms modifies the natural history of the disease, rather than just alleviating symptoms. Immunotherapy for children with allergic rhinitis may prevent asthma and reduce the risk of sensitivity to other allergens.