Hyposensitization in allergic rhinitis. Immunotherapy. Indications and contra-indications.

Immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis should be initiated only when other efforts at elimination and treatment of symptoms prove ineffective. The indications become more convincing if symptoms of bronchial hyperreactivity and asthma are also present. General preconditions which must be fulfilled prior to treatment are the establishing of a precise diagnosis, and that the allergen planned for treatment must play a decisive part in the disease. The main contra-indications are other, concurrent immunological diseases, and pregnancy.