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ACAAI Allergists Caution Parents Not to Stop Children's Allergy Shots ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Jan. 31, 1997 -- Allergists today warned parents of children with asthma not to stop their children's allergy shots -- called immunotherapy -- based on a recent study reported this week. Children who stop taking the shots could risk increased, and potentially serious, asthma attacks, said Betty B. Wray, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). The findings of the study do not reflect the experience of most practicing allergists and their patients, and they are inconsistent with most previously published studies about asthma and immunotherapy, Dr. Wray said. "Millions of children are being treated effectively with immunotherapy," Dr. Wray said. "It's essential that parents of asthmatics talk to their doctors before making any decisions about their children's treatment." ACAAI's warning on allergy shots is in response to a study published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine suggesting allergy shots are probably unnecessary for children with moderate to severe asthma who follow a rigid medical regimen and live in allergen-free homes, a situation Dr. Wray and other allergists believe is unrealistic. "The study looked at a very special group of children, not typical of a random sample of asthma sufferers in everyday settings," Dr. Wray said. "Researchers monitored their progress, gave them free allergy medication, and ensured compliance with optimal medical and environmental control. Any participants who didn't comply were dropped from the study." The ACAAI also noted that the study didn't take into account common asthma triggers, such as cockroaches and certain tree and weed pollens. "This study should be put in perspective," Dr. Wray said. "This is one negative study among numerous positive studies that support immunotherapy, a common and effective treatment for asthma in children." In 1995, Australian researchers analyzed 20 allergen-immunotherapy studies conducted between 1960 and 1990 and concluded immunotherapy was effective. The findings were published in the American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine. Asthma is an inflammation of the lung airways that affects more than 12 million Americans, including 4 million children. It results in more than 5,000 deaths per year. Parents and others can receive more information about asthma and asthma treatment by calling ACAAI at 1-800-842-7777. E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version