Question 1. Can allergen-specific immunotherapy be used in the management of asthma?

From Chapter 6 of the Philippine Consensus Report on Asthma 2004 by the Philippine College of Chest Physicians.
This guideline starts below.

Can allergen-specific immunotherapy be used in the management of asthma?

Answer

Yes, numerous studies have shown that allergen specific immunotherapy can be used in the management of asthma.

Summary of Evidence

Several double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have been conducted on the efficacy of specific immunotherapy, using various allergens such as house dust mites, pollens, cat and dog dander. These studies show that specific immunotherapy may result in a significant decrease in asthma medication consumption and improvement in symptom scores and FEV1.

Likewise, there is decreased skin and bronchial sensitivity to the allergen among patients undergoing immunotherapy. Some of the most significant improvements were seen in the studies involving dust mite allergens. However, many trials involving cat, dog, cockroach and pollens have also shown significant results. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on immunotherapy clearly demonstrated symptomatic improvement with immunotherapy, medication reduction with house dust mite immunotherapy and reduction in bronchial hyperreactivity.