Asthma in Children

Other Treatment

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be recommended for children who have asthma symptoms when they are around substances to which they are allergic (allergens). Allergy shots have been shown to reduce asthma symptoms and the need for medications in some people.²⁷ However, allergy shots are not equally effective for all allergens. Allergy shots should not be given when asthma is poorly controlled. For more information, see:

Should I take allergy shots (immunotherapy) for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma?

Allergy shots are similar to vaccinations because they contain small doses of one or more substances to which your child is allergic so that the body can become less responsive to them over time.

Research has indicated that (in addition to taking medicine) family therapy, such as counselling, may be helpful to children with asthma.²⁸ In one small study, peak expiratory flow and daytime wheezing improved in children who had therapy compared with those who didn't. Another small study found that children showed overall improvement from therapy.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: June 13, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
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