NAECB Immunotherapy & Allergen Management Flashcards

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) works primarily by:

Answer: Inducing immune tolerance through repeated allergen exposure

AIT induces immunological tolerance by shifting the immune response from Th2-dominant allergic inflammation toward a regulatory, tolerant phenotype.

The build-up phase of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) typically involves:

Answer: Weekly injections with increasing allergen doses

During the build-up phase, weekly injections with progressively increasing allergen concentrations are given until the target maintenance dose is reached.

What is the recommended observation period after each subcutaneous immunotherapy injection in a US clinic?

Answer: 20–30 minutes

Patients must be observed for 20–30 minutes after SCIT injections because most systemic reactions occur within this window.

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets approved in the US are indicated for which conditions?

Answer: Grass pollen, dust mite, and ragweed allergies

FDA-approved SLIT tablets in the US target grass pollen, house dust mite, and short ragweed allergens for allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to initiating allergen immunotherapy?

Answer: Severe or uncontrolled asthma (FEV1 < 70% predicted)

Severe or uncontrolled asthma with FEV1 below 70% predicted is an absolute contraindication because systemic reactions carry higher risk of fatal bronchospasm.

How long should maintenance allergen immunotherapy typically be continued to achieve lasting clinical benefit?

Answer: 3–5 years

Maintenance immunotherapy is recommended for 3–5 years to achieve durable tolerance that persists after discontinuation.