Allergen immnunotherapy in allergic diseases with special regard to atopiceczema

According to modern concepts allergen immunotherapy influences the capacity of allergen specific T cells to react to allergen presentation. Subcutaneo us immunotherapy with allergen extracts has been shown to be superior to pl acebo in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic asthma. Because the treatment does not interfere with other antiinflammatory and s ymptomatic treatments of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis it is an additional treatment option in child ren aged 5 years and older in whom allergen expo sure is an im porta nt determinant of the course of the disease. As yet, th ere is no sufficient data to recommend allergen immunotherapy in the treatm ent of atopic eczema. However, allergen immunotherapy for rhinoconjunctivit is or asthma is not contraindicated if atopic eczema is present If allergy to hymenoptera venom leads to life-threatening symptoms,specific immunother apy is indicated absolutely even in children below the age of 5 years.