The role of allergen immunotherpy in children with mild to moderate asthma

Abstract

Background: The morbidity associated with mild to moderate asthma is very high in developing countries. The aim of this study was to describe the role of allergen immunotherapy in prevention of asthma exacerbation and hospitalization in children with mild to moderate asthma. Methods: 59 asthmatic children were included in the study. 34 patients were received AIT drops plus standard pharmacotherapy while 29 children received only standard pharmacotherapy according to the GINA guideline. Efficacy was evaluated using rescue medication score, oral corticosteroids score and asthma symptoms score (chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough and wheezing) during the two years. We analysed results at the baseline, after the one and after two years of follow-up period. Results: Asthma score was decreased during the first year of treatment, with the tendency of further decrease in the second year of follow up period. The most important effects of SLIT were observed for the symptom of wheezing and night cough (X2=56,790; p Discussion: It has been already known that allergen immunotherapy reduce asthma and drug scores. In our study we found that AIT has a positive impact on asthma hospitalization and exacerbation rate in children with mild to moderate asthma. AIT can prevent development of severe asthma in children with mild to moderate asthma.