Immunotherapy: Open Access
Open Access

The Mechanisms of Asthma Allergy Immunotherapy and its Approach in Respiratory Conditions

Victor Kim^{* *}Correspondence: Victor Kim, Department of Medicine, University of Deusto, Deusto, Bizkaia, Spain, Email:

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Description

Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, affects millions worldwide, causing significant discomfort and impairing quality of life. For many individuals, asthma is intricately linked to allergic activates, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold spores. Traditional asthma management primarily relies on medications like bronchodilators and corticosteroids to control symptoms. However, for those whose asthma is primarily activated by allergies, a more proactive approach known as allergy immunotherapy offers assurance results.

Allergy immunotherapy, often referred to as allergy shots, is a treatment strategy aimed at desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens. By exposing the body to gradually increasing doses of the allergen, immunotherapy helps the immune system develop tolerance, thereby reducing allergic reactions and related symptoms. While historically used for conditions like allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and insect sting allergies, allergy immunotherapy has shown considerable efficacy in managing allergic asthma as well.

The allergic asthma

Allergic asthma is a subtype of asthma characterized by airway inflammation and hyperreactivity activated be exposure to allergens. When individuals with allergic asthma meets allergens like pollen or moves, their immune system mounts a positive response, leading to the release of inflammatory mediators and subsequent airway constriction. This reaction results in asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Conventional asthma treatments focus on symptom control through bronchodilators to open airways and anti-inflammatory agents to reduce inflammation. While effective for many individuals, these medications do not address the underlying allergic activates driving asthma symptoms. Allergy immunotherapy offers a distinct advantage by targeting the root cause of allergic asthma, thereby providing long-term relief and potentially altering the course of the disease.

The mechanism of allergy immunotherapy

Allergy immunotherapy works by exposing the immune system to small, controlled doses of specific allergens, gradually increasing the exposure over time. This process aims to modulate the immune response, shifting it from an allergic reaction to a state of tolerance. Immunotherapy is typically administered via injections under the skin (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or through sublingual tablets or drops (sublingual immunotherapy).

During the initial phase of immunotherapy, patients may receive injections containing tiny amounts of allergens once or twice a week. As treatment progresses, the frequency of injections decreases, with maintenance doses administered every few weeks. Sublingual immunotherapy involves placing tablets or drops containing allergen extracts under the tongue daily, allowing for convenient at-home administration.

Efficacy and benefits

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of allergy immunotherapy in reducing asthma symptoms and medication reliance in individuals with allergic asthma. The study indicates that immunotherapy can decrease asthma exacerbations, improve lung function and reduce the need for rescue medications such as short-acting bronchodilators.

One of the key benefits of allergy immunotherapy is its longterm effectiveness. Unlike medications that only provide symptomatic relief while being taken, immunotherapy can produce lasting changes in the immune system, resulting in sustained symptom improvement even after treatment completion. Additionally, immunotherapy may help prevent the progression of allergic asthma and decrease the risk of developing new allergies or sensitivities over time.

Safety considerations

While generally safe and well-tolerated, allergy immunotherapy carries some risk of adverse reactions, particularly during the initial phase of treatment. Common side effects include local reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling or itching. In rare cases, more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis may occur, emphasizing the importance of administering immunotherapy under medical supervision in a controlled setting.

To mitigate risks, allergists carefully evaluate patients prior to initiating immunotherapy, ensuring that they are suitable candidates and can be closely monitored throughout the treatment process. Adjustments to dosage and treatment schedule may be made based on individual response and tolerability.

Future directions as our understanding of asthma and allergic diseases continues to evolve, ongoing studies aims to optimize the safety, efficacy and convenience of allergy immunotherapy.

Advances in allergen extract formulations, delivery methods and personalized treatment approaches hold assurance for further improving outcomes and expanding access to immunotherapy for individuals with allergic asthma.

Asthma allergy immunotherapy represents a valuable therapeutic option for individuals with allergic asthma, offering a targeted approach to symptom management and disease modification. By addressing the underlying allergic activates driving asthma symptoms, immunotherapy can significantly improve respiratory health and enhance overall quality of life for affected individuals. As awareness grows and many studies progresses, allergy immunotherapy is poised to play an increasingly integral role in the comprehensive management of allergic asthma in future.