Objective: Allergen-specific immunotherapy is an effective treatment method that enables the development of immunotolerance against allergens in allergic rhinitis, asthma, and venom allergy. This study investigated the local and systemic reactions during subcutaneous house dust mite allergen immunotherapy.

Methods: Injection-related local and systemic reactions of 45 patients who received subcutaneous mite immunotherapy were evaluated retrospectively.

Results: Forty-five children, 15 (33.3%) females and 30 (66.4%) male were included in the study. A total of 582 injections were administered. A local reaction was observed in 23 (3.94%) of all injections and the systemic reaction was observed in only 1 (0.17%) injection. Sixteen (37.7%) of the children had local reactions during the immunotherapy process and 1 (2.2%) had a systemic reaction.

Conclusion: Although subcutaneous mite immunotherapy is a safe treatment, it should only be applied in centers with appropriate emergency equipment and trained healthcare professionals due to possible systemic reactions.

Keywords: Allergy, house dust mite, immunotherapy, local reaction, systemic reaction