Immunotherapy Against Hay Fever Prevents Asthma in Children

Filed in archive Allergy Medications , Asthma , Hay Fever on August 13, 2007

Although hay fever or pollen allergies can trigger asthma, not all patients who suffer from hay fever develop a chronic asthma. Likewise, not all asthma cases are due to allergies.

However, a follow-up study to The Preventive Allergy Treatment (PAT) study showed that specific immunotherapy for children with hay fever, or "seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis," helps prevent the development of asthma for up to 7 years after treatment ends.

Dr. L. Jacobsen from ALK-Abello, Horsholm, Denmark and colleagues found that, among 117 children who were free of asthma at the start of the study, those given immunotherapy were 4.6 times more likely than those treated with an inactive "placebo" to remain free of asthma during the 10 years of follow-up.

Of 53 patients given placebo, 24 developed asthma, whereas among the 64 patients in the immunotherapy group, 16 became asthmatic.

Furthermore, the beneficial effect of immunotherapy in easing allergy symptoms, like runny noses and itchy eyes, also persisted 7 years after completion of 3 years of treatment.

ALK-Abello is the manufacturer of immunotherapy products against hay fever, including the Grazax vaccine against hay fever that come in pill form. If your child suffers from hay fever, consult your allergist if the risks of contracting asthma calls for a round of immunotherapy, and which mode of delivery (shots, sublingual or tablets) are best for your child.