ALLERGIC DISEASES

The only preventive treatment, which has proven efficiency, is based on the repeated administration of small doses of products, containing the pathogenic macromolecules from the sources which evoke the disease such as pollen, mites, animal epithelia, etc. These are called allergen vaccines or extracts and have a long-standing history of application.

The allergen products deserve special attention because it is now well-established that the relatively mild forms of the disease like rhinoconjunctivitis may evolve into more serious conditions like asthma if treated ineffectively. Furthermore, treatment with a specific allergen vaccine, now designated specific immunotherapy or sIT, may prevent the onset of new sensitizations at a later stage.