What is Insect allergy?
Members of the Hymenoptera family of flying insects include honey bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. Individuals who have developed an anaphylactic reaction to these insect’s venom are at high risk of developing another anaphylactic reaction when re-stung. Approximately 50% of individuals allergic to these venoms are at risk of developing a severe reaction when re-stung.
What are the symptoms of Insect allergy?
- breathing difficulties
- cough
- wheeze
- Throat swelling
- Change in the voice
- Nasal congestion
- Tongue and lip swelling
- Hives/angioedema
- Abdominal pain, cramping
- Diarrhea
- Lightheadedness, dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
How do we treat insect allergy?
Obtaining appropriate treatment if anaphylaxis develops after a sting can save your life. Immediately after being stung, perform the following:
- Notify someone who can bring you to an emergency room or doctor’s office.
- Make sure you have injectable epinephrine at hand ready for use
- Take Benadryl at the recommended dose.
- Immediately go to an emergency y room or doctor’s office if you develop anaphylaxis
- Administer your injectable epinephrine if you develop anaphylaxis
Immunotherapy (shots for insect stings) will lower your risk of developing anaphylaxis following a sting. It will bring your risk to that of the general population (about 1-3%), and if you do develop anaphylaxis following a sting, immunotherapy will lessen the severity of the reaction.