Vnitr Lek 2023, 69(6):359-364

The role of allergen immunotherapy in the internist's consulting room

Petr Čáp

Centrum alergologie a klinické imunologie, Nemocnice Na Homolce, Praha

The text offers an up‑to‑date view of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) as a method of very effective induction of tolerance to aeroallergens of mites, pollens and venom of white‑winged insects. It has an effect not only on the alleviation or disappearance of rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, but it pervasively reduces the risk of asthma development or alleviates its manifestations. In the case of allergy to the venom of white‑winged animals (wasp and bee), it can very effectively prevent anaphylaxis, which is a life‑threatening allergy. Awareness of internists about the current options of modern galenic forms of AIT is important and highly desirable for early indication and referral to specialists, as pharmacotherapy only addresses the effect not the cause. Conversely, AIT also has a disease‑modifying effect but needs to be administered for at least three years. It is suitable in indicated cases for children over 5 years and for adults up to 65 years. Among other things, the new easily dissolvable tablets, which are directly resorbable from the oral cavity, help enormously with adherence to treatment. However, they require some personal discipline and responsibility for treatment management.

Keywords: allergen immunotherapy, sublingual tablets, asthma.

Accepted: September 21, 2023; Published: October 10, 2023  Show citation