Advances in aeroallergen immunotherapy.

Purpose of review Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is the most common manifestation of allergic disease. This break in the normal natural function of the immune system to ignore harmless molecules such as pollen and pet dander to now aggressively react has lead to a substantial disease burden that is not always recognized and adequately treated. Recent findings Individual molecular component testing may increase the predictive value of blood sIgE and clinical symptoms. Defining the most symptoms inducing allergenic protein has led to advances in peptide-based allergen immunotherapy. There have been steady consistent reports that allergy immunotherapy for children with symptomatic allergic rhinitis prevents the onset of asthma. Summary Allergy immunotherapy is an effective disease-modulating treatment that alters the underlying immune dysfunction which is a currently underutilized therapy especially as it is likely effective in preventing the onset of asthma in children, at least in the short term.