[Specific treatments of allergic manifestations]

Because we now know more about the relationship between environment and allergy, we should aim: at preventing allergic diseases in at-risk populations; at alleviating symptoms in sensitized patient using avoidance methods; and at modifying immunological responses through specific immunotherapy. Recent studies provide a better knowledge of the allergenic levels which induce sensitization and trigger symptoms in allergic patients. This knowledge allows a strategy for avoidance measures. A better understanding of cross allergenicity of several allergens has been drawn from a better knowledge of the epitopes. Specific immunotherapy has proven its efficacy in selected patients suffering from asthma and/or rhinitis and patients with hymenoptera sensitivity.