Immunotherapy: Safe for Treating Allergies in Young Children

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Immunotherapy proves safe and effective for treating allergies in children () under 5. Allergies, a global burden, pose significant health concerns for children, impacting their well-being and quality of life. Allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, with prevalent sensitization to house dust mites and pollen, are among the most common manifestations.

Dr Sarita Sharma, Senior Consultant, Pediatrician and allergy and asthma specialist, at PSRI hospital, told IANS that changes in the lifestyle, environment, and increasing pollution are contributing major factors to the increasing incidence of allergies over the past few decades.

‘#Immunotherapy demonstrates safety and efficacy in managing #allergies like #allergicrhinitis and #conjunctivitis in children under 5 years old. #childhealth ’

Common Allergy Symptoms in Children

"In children, symptoms can manifest as nasal symptoms (sneezing, running nose, nasal itching, and congestion) also known as allergic rhinitis, wheezing (asthma and hyper-reactive airway disease), cough, skin symptoms (dermatitis, urticaria), food allergy," she added.

While most people are under the impression that antihistamine drugs, inhalers and steroids are the only treatment available for allergies in children, immunotherapy is another medically proven choice for treatment in children above the age of 5 years. "Immunotherapy is the only disease-modifying agent available if instituted in the correct dose, duration, and disease," Dr Dhiren Gupta, Senior Pediatrician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS."

Immunotherapy improves symptoms, and quality of life, decreases the use of medicines, and has long-lasting symptom relief. In sublingual immunotherapy, the allergen preparation is administered under the tongue. The US FDA has approved certain allergens for immunotherapy like dust mite, grass, ragweed, etc," Dr Sharma said. However, the doctors noted that it's important to consult with an allergist to determine if immunotherapy is suitable for your child and also the risks and benefits associated with it.

"Immunotherapy should be instituted early before irreversible changes happen in the airway. It's not 100 percent curative. The average duration is 3 years. The response depends on the type of allergy and route of immunotherapy," Dr Gupta said, calling for more studies based on the Indian population.

Reference:

1. Allergies in Children - (https:www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions---pediatrics/a/allergies-in-children.html)

Source: IANS