Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has more than 100 years of history in medicine. The first study with this treatment for allergic diseases was published in 1911 in the Lancet by Leonard Noon and John Freeman. AIT is considered to be the only treatment capable of modifying the specific immune response against allergens such as house dust mites, molds, animal dander and pollens. This treatment is effective in controlling allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma, and recent studies have also shown good results in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
AIT also indicated for the treatment of allergy to stings of hymenopteran insects (bee, ant and wasp) when patients have a history of severe systemic reactions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AIT is the only treatment capable of altering the natural evolution of these allergic diseases by controlling symptoms and reducing the use of medications such as anti-histamines, oral and inhaled corticosteroids.
Treatment with AIT is specific and personalised for each patient depending on the results of allergy tests. This treatment has an excellent safety and efficacy profile. Scientific studies have shown that the treatment is approximately 90% effective. The results are long lasting, controlling allergic symptoms on average for 10 years even after the end of treatment.
Currently, the high degree of evolution of AIT allows the remission of allergic diseases for a long period of time, avoiding the use of medication and significantly improving the quality of life.
Allergy shots ( subcutaneous immunotherapy- ( SCIT ) are the most commonly form of AIT administration. Sulingual immunotherapy ( SLIT) is another possibility for AIT administration.
The duration of treatment is 3 to 5 years. The prescription and follow-up must be carried out by a specialist in Allergy and Immunology.
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