Allergic asthma is a significant disease of childhood, of which, house dust mite is the most common trigger. There have been many investigations into the role of allergen immunotherapy in preventing the development of allergic asthma, and potentially its treatment following formal diagnosis, as evidenced by studies demonstrating significant improvements in medication use, asthma symptoms, and respiratory function. However, there is a paucity of research into specific populations – significantly, paediatric populations. This article reviews the recent literature regarding the efficacy and safety of allergen immunotherapy in the treatment of house dust mite-allergic asthma, with a focus on paediatric populations.

This review suggests that immunotherapy effectively improves asthma symptoms and severity in paediatric populations. While adverse reactions may occur, serious or life-threatening reactions are rare. More research is required to investigate immunotherapy in populations who are polysensitised or who have severe or uncontrolled asthma – preliminary evidence suggests immunotherapy may have a role in the treatment of these patients.

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