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Article: Allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation) for allergic diseases
- Article from:
- Clinical Medicine
- Article date:
- July 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright Royal College of Physicians Jul/Aug 2006. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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KEY WORDS: allergen immunotherapy, allergic rhinitis, desensitisation, hayfever
Allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation) involves the repeated administration of allergen extracts to allergic individuals to induce a state of clinical and immunological tolerance. Traditionally, this has involved repeated subcutaneous injections of incremental doses of allergen over a period of 8-16 weeks followed by monthly 'maintenance' injections for 3-5 years. Modified approaches have included shorter and preseasonal regimens and alternative routes of administration, particularly the sublingual route.
Immunotherapy is indicated in patients with immunoglobulin (Ig) E-dependent disease and is particularly ...