Illustration of a child exhaling dust mites, representing allergy relief.

Breathe Easier: How Immunotherapy Can Help Kids with Allergies & Asthma

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Is your child struggling with allergic rhinitis and asthma? Discover how subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) can provide lasting relief, regardless of specific allergen sensitivities."

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma are common chronic conditions that significantly impact the quality of life for millions of children and their families. These conditions often stem from sensitivities to common allergens, such as house dust mites. In many tropical climates, two dominant house dust mites, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) and Blomia tropicalis (BT), are major culprits.

For children struggling with allergies and asthma, finding effective, long-term solutions is essential. While avoidance measures and medications can provide some relief, they don't address the underlying cause of the allergic reaction. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) offers a promising approach by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens, leading to reduced symptoms and medication needs.

AIT, specifically Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) using Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP), has emerged as a valuable treatment option. A recent study delved into the effectiveness of DP-SCIT in children with allergic rhinitis and asthma, irrespective of whether they were also sensitive to Blomia tropicalis (BT). Let's explore the key findings and what they mean for families seeking allergy relief.

Understanding Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) and Its Benefits for Allergic Children

Illustration of a child exhaling dust mites, representing allergy relief.

Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) involves administering gradually increasing doses of an allergen extract through injections. This process helps the immune system become less reactive to the allergen over time, reducing the severity of allergic reactions. SCIT is a disease-modifying treatment, meaning it aims to change the course of the allergic condition, rather than just managing the symptoms.

One of the primary ways SCIT works is by increasing the production of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies. These antibodies act as "blocking antibodies," competing with IgE antibodies (the ones responsible for triggering allergic reactions) for allergen binding. By reducing the amount of allergen that can bind to IgE, SCIT helps to minimize allergic symptoms.

Reduced Symptoms: SCIT can significantly decrease the frequency and severity of allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, and wheezing.
Lower Medication Needs: As SCIT desensitizes the immune system, many individuals can reduce their reliance on antihistamines, nasal sprays, and asthma inhalers.
Improved Quality of Life: By alleviating allergy symptoms and decreasing medication dependence, SCIT can lead to better sleep, increased energy levels, and greater participation in daily activities.
Long-Term Relief: SCIT offers the potential for long-lasting relief, even after treatment is discontinued. Some studies have shown that the benefits of SCIT can persist for years.

The study aimed to determine whether DP-SCIT benefits children with allergic asthma and rhinitis who are exposed to and sensitized to both DP and BT. Researchers also investigated whether DP-SCIT-induced allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies cross-react with BT antigens.

Empowering Families with Knowledge and Options

These findings offer hope for children with allergic rhinitis and asthma, demonstrating that DP-SCIT can be effective even when sensitivities to multiple allergens like DP and BT exist. If your child is struggling with allergies, talk to their doctor about whether SCIT is the right option. With proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, your child can breathe easier and enjoy a healthier, more active life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT), and how does it help children with allergies and asthma?

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) is a treatment that involves administering gradually increasing doses of an allergen extract through injections. This process aims to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens over time, thereby reducing the severity of allergic reactions. In children, SCIT can be particularly beneficial for managing allergic rhinitis and asthma. By increasing the production of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies, SCIT acts by producing "blocking antibodies," which compete with IgE antibodies (the ones responsible for triggering allergic reactions) for allergen binding. This process helps to minimize allergic symptoms, potentially reducing the reliance on medications and improving the overall quality of life for children suffering from allergies and asthma.

How does SCIT specifically address allergies caused by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) and Blomia tropicalis (BT) in children?

The article highlights the effectiveness of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) - SCIT even in children sensitive to both DP and Blomia tropicalis (BT). While the study focuses on DP-SCIT, it acknowledges the prevalence of both allergens, especially in tropical climates. The research investigates whether the antibodies produced through DP-SCIT could provide some cross-reactivity or benefit for those sensitized to BT. SCIT aims to reduce the reactivity to DP, and the study explores the impact on individuals exposed to both DP and BT, offering a potential for broader allergy relief, even in the presence of multiple allergen sensitivities. This approach may offer some relief for those affected by BT, even if it isn't the primary target of the treatment.

What are the main benefits of SCIT for children dealing with allergic rhinitis and asthma?

The main benefits of Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) for children with allergic rhinitis and asthma include: reduced allergy symptoms, lower medication needs, improved quality of life, and the potential for long-term relief. SCIT helps significantly decrease the frequency and severity of symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, and wheezing. As the immune system becomes desensitized, the reliance on medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, and asthma inhalers may decrease. By alleviating symptoms and decreasing medication dependence, children can experience better sleep, higher energy levels, and increased participation in daily activities. Additionally, the benefits of SCIT can persist for years after the treatment is stopped.

How does SCIT work at a biological level to reduce allergy symptoms in children?

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) works by gradually introducing increasing doses of an allergen extract. This process aims to change the course of the allergic condition, rather than just managing symptoms. One of the primary mechanisms by which SCIT reduces allergy symptoms is by increasing the production of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies. These IgG4 antibodies function as "blocking antibodies," competing with IgE antibodies, which are responsible for triggering allergic reactions, for allergen binding. By reducing the amount of allergen that can bind to IgE, SCIT helps to minimize the release of inflammatory substances, thereby lessening the severity of allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, and wheezing. This targeted approach to modifying the immune response is the key to providing long-term relief from allergies and asthma.

What should parents do if they suspect their child might benefit from SCIT for allergies or asthma related to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) or Blomia tropicalis (BT)?

If parents suspect their child is struggling with allergies or asthma, especially if linked to sensitivities to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) or Blomia tropicalis (BT), they should first consult with their child's doctor. A proper diagnosis is crucial to determine if SCIT is the appropriate treatment option. The doctor will likely perform allergy testing to identify specific allergens causing the symptoms. If allergies to DP or other relevant allergens are confirmed, and if the child meets the criteria for SCIT, the doctor can then discuss a tailored treatment plan. This plan would include the administration of gradually increasing doses of the relevant allergen extracts through subcutaneous injections. Parents need to understand the treatment's potential benefits, risks, and the commitment required. With the right guidance and treatment plan, children can experience a significant improvement in their symptoms and overall quality of life.