Oral Pollen Therapy in Ragweed Pollinosis

The progress made in the last few years in the various phases of immunotherapy has stimulated the search for more simple methods for the administration of such treatment. Attempts at substitution of the oral method for the hypodermic type in vaccine and allergen administration were begun many years ago. Among the first clinical conditions for which prophylaxis by ingestion was suggested is hay fever. The hope of safety, convenience, inexpensiveness and painlessness of the oral method has been the motivating factor stimulating this idea. In 1900, more than ten years prior to the advocation of hypodermic pollen therapy, Curtis1had recommended the oral administration of extracts of ragweed pollen. He had previously observed the good effects of infusions of roses and other flowers in those sensitive to them. The patients were given, three times daily after each meal, from 2 to 10 drops of a tincture or infusion of