Specific immunotherapy-indications and mode of action

Area of Science:

• Allergology and Immunology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• High prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (up to 24%) and allergic asthma (5%) in Germany.
• Close association between allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and other atopic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy and application of specific immunotherapy (SIT) for allergic diseases.
• To highlight the underutilization of SIT despite its disease-modifying potential.

Main Methods:

• Selective Medline database search.
• Inclusion of national and international guidelines.
• Analysis of Cochrane meta-analyses.

Main Results:

• Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the sole disease-modifying treatment for allergies.
• Meta-analysis shows significant symptom and medication score reductions for both SCIT and SLIT.
• Treatment duration of at least three years is recommended for severe cases where allergen avoidance is impractical.

Conclusions:

• SIT demonstrates well-documented efficacy for allergic rhinitis.
• Despite proven benefits, SIT remains underused in clinical practice.
• SIT should be considered a standard treatment option for patients with allergic rhinitis.