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Although there is no complete cure for childhood respiratory allergies, like dust mite induced allergies and asthma, researchers say that they now have a long term control for the allergy that can bring it under control just three years of allergy shots.

According to the study, with the administration of immunotherapy for just three years, long-term relief can be achieved, and the administration need not extend to four or five years as it does not seem to make any difference.

"The recommended duration of immunotherapy for long-term effectiveness has been three to five years," said Iwona Stelmach, MD, PhD, lead study author, according to Medical Xpress. "Our research shows that three years is an adequate duration for the treatment of childhood asthma associated with house dust mites. An additional two years adds no clinical benefit."

Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, hampers the progression of allergic disease and lessens the symptoms in the patient, apart from preventing asthma and the development of other kind of allergies.

According to the study, 50 percent of children with asthma caused by dust mites experience remission after three years of treatment, with very low or no controller medications required at that time.

"It has long been observed that the effectiveness of allergy shots continue long after treatment has been completed," said allergist James Sublett, MD, chair of the ACAAI Indoor Environment Committee. "This study is among the first to look at the benefits of different lengths of therapy. Not only does it provide long-term therapeutic benefits for both children and adults, it can reduce total healthcare costs by 33 to 41 percent."

Too much exposure to dust mites is a factor in the development of asthma in children who react to proteins within the bodies and feces of the mites.

Dust mites are commonly found in pillows, mattresses, carpeting, stuffed animals and upholstered furniture. Mites feed on particles of skin and dander and hence are found in places where there are people and animals.

The study was published in the October issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).