The role of immunotherapy in childhood asthma

While immunotherapy has been widely used to treat children with asthma, many issues remain to be resolved concerning the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy in asthmatic children. Studies have suggested that immunotherapy should reduce the pulmonary inflammatory response characteristic of asthma, however, recent clinical trials have often shown little benefit from immunotherapy in children with asthma. One of the most interesting questions is whether the early institution of immunotherapy in high-risk children might reduce the risk of developing asthma. Given the many unresolved issues concerning immunotherapy, as an adjunct to the treatment of asthma, physicians must carefully weigh all the potential risks and benefits for each patient.