[Immunotherapy with allergen extracts for allergic rhinitis].

Immunotherapy with allergens is an established therapy for allergic rhinitis. It reverses the T(H2)-skewed immune response and induces immune tolerance to the allergen applied. Weekly and later monthly allergen injections with sustained-release preparations over 3 years are the current reference method. Also chemically modified allergens and immune adjuvants may be used. Immunotherapy reduces allergy symptoms, the consumption of antiallergic drugs, and the mucosal inflammatory reaction. A particular characteristic is the reduction of asthma morbidity and additional sensitizations to new allergens. In Germany, serious side effects arise on the average per every 10,000 injections, and an anaphylactic shock approximately per every 250,000 injections. Serious adverse events are substantially rarer with sublingual immunotherapy, but they also occur. At present, efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy has been demonstrated in adults with pollen allergy. The effects of immunotherapy last for several years after its termination. As a consequence, immunotherapy is also economically reasonable.