Abstract

SANCHEZ, Jorge et al. Allergen immunotherapy: Mechanisms of action, and therapeutic and socioeconomic impact Consensus of the Asociación Colombiana de Alergia, Asma e Imunología. Biomédica [online]. 2016, vol.36, n.3, pp.454-462. ISSN 0120-4157.  https://doi.org/10.7705/biomedica.v36i3.3183.

Allergies comprise a set of highly prevalent diseases. When allergic processes are not controlled, they can endanger patients´ health and lives, and have an important economic and social impact. The aim of this paper is to present a practical consensus of the scientific evidence on the use of immunotherapy in allergic diseases. A collaborative review made by various institutes and universities in Colombia was carried out upon request of the Asociación Colombiana de Alergia, Asma e Imunología , led by general practitioners, allergists, immunologists, internists and paediatricians with experience in the field of allergies. As a result, based on current national and international scientific evidence, we describe in detail what immunotherapy is about, its indications, contraindications and its economic and health benefits. Conclusions show immunotherapy as a clinically effective and safe treatment, which can substantially reduce the cost of the overall treatment of allergic patients.

Keywords : Allergens; consensus; asthma; anaphylaxis; dermatitis; conjunctivitis; Hymenoptera; immunotherapy; rhinitis.

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