[Immunotherapy of allergic diseases: present and future].

The efficacy of immunotherapy (IT) of immediate type allergies is well established but its mode of action is unclear. Indication for IT is based on history confirmed by skin tests, RAST and possibly provocation tests. Nature, severity and duration of allergic symptoms must be considered. IT is especially suitable as a basic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and pollen asthma as well as perennial rhinitis and asthma due to the house dust mite. The value of IT with molds and bacterial vaccines is questionable. With insect venoms IT is well established as a means of preventing anaphylactic reactions to hymenoptera stings. Improvement of IT will be brought about chiefly by better standardization and purification of allergen extracts. The significance of IT with chemically modified allergens and using different modes of application (oral, nasal) cannot be definitely evaluated at present.