Immunothérapie jusqu'à quel âge ?

Desensitisation or specific immunotherapy is currently a proven therapy, with objectives which range from controlling symptoms and stabilising respiratory function to changing the natural course of the illness. Using the subcutaneous administration of this specific immunotherapy is generally effective on bronchial hyperactivity and symptom control related to a single allergen, but does not infiuence respiratory function. The sublingual route, developed after the subcutaneous route, has proved to be effective in controlling the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, and makes it possible to improve the asthma control scores with the possibility of reducing the standard therapeutic pressure. The undesirable effects range from local reactions to systemic reactions. Deaths were reported with the subcutaneous route. The side effects of the sublingual route are more local and temporary. The use of specific immunotherapy before the age of 5 years has been studied very little, and its objective is to improve symptoms and prevent the natural course of the illness by limiting the administration routes and the undesirable effects. In people over the age of 55 years, desensitisation is indicated in patients with an allergen clearly implicated in their disease and a shorter disease progression.