Immunotherapy - Vaccines for allergic diseases.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Clinical Medicine
• Allergology

Background:

• Allergic diseases are prevalent in clinical practice, with current treatments offering only symptomatic relief.
• Corticosteroids and antihistamines manage symptoms but do not modify disease progression.
• Specific immunotherapy (SIT) has a long history, evolving into an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and long-term benefits of specific immunotherapy (SIT) for allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• To assess SIT's impact on symptom reduction, medication use, and disease progression.
• To investigate SIT's role in preventing the development of new allergic sensitizations and asthma in children.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical studies investigating the effects of SIT in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• Analysis of data on symptom scores, medication requirements, and long-term outcomes post-treatment.
• Examination of studies focusing on pediatric populations to assess preventative effects.

Main Results:

• SIT has demonstrated significant reduction in symptoms and medication use in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• Clinical studies confirm that the therapeutic benefits of SIT are sustained long after treatment completion (3-5 years).
• SIT effectively lowers the risk of developing asthma and new allergic sensitizations in children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis.

Conclusions:

• Specific immunotherapy is a disease-modifying treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma, offering lasting benefits.
• SIT is a valuable therapeutic option for managing allergic diseases and preventing their progression, particularly in children.
• Long-term treatment with SIT provides sustained relief and reduces the incidence of new allergic conditions.