People with hayfever-like allergies tend to benefit from immunotherapy treatment, researchers said today.
The authors explain that antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids are often used. But if these do not work, sufferers might try immunotherapy – a way of desensitising the patient by exposing them to increasing doses of the allergen. It can be given by injection or as pills or drops under the tongue.
The Cochrane Systematic Review looked at 60 studies, including trials of pollen and dust mites, as well as one trial of cat allergens. Adults and children took part.
"Sublingual [under the tongue] immunotherapy significantly reduced symptoms of allergic rhinitis and requirements for medication compared to placebos," the review says.
This treatment is effective and has very few serious side effects, it adds.
Dr Suzana Radulovic of St Thomas’ Hospital in London, UK, says: "This is an attractive approach for treating allergies in children. It is a more convenient alternative compared to injection immunotherapy.
"It is encouraging to see similar treatment effects in children compared to those in adults."
Because this review is based on a large number of trials, it should provide considerable reassurance for doctors.
"With the inclusion of larger, better designed trials, we can be much more confident about the results," said Dr Radulovic. She added that future trials should focus on ideal dose sizes and duration of treatment.
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