Insect Allergies

The stinging insects include bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants. Most people experience insect stings with minor itching and swelling. However, some people develop allergic reactions to insect venom. Symptoms occasionally could be mild and manifest as local or generalized hives. Quite often allergic people quickly develop a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction which must be treated as soon as possible with epinephrine and then be transported to an emergency room. Based on scientific observations allergy to stinging insect venom is considered one of the most serious forms of allergic reaction which cannot always be stopped by epinephrine. After the first episode of allergic reaction to the stinging insect venom, an individual should be evaluated and tested by an allergy specialist. If the test confirms the allergic sensitivity to the insect’s venom, immunotherapy – allergy injections with the venom preparation should be started promptly. The Allergy injections in this case is a life-saving procedure as it is very difficult to avoid subsequent insect stings. Immunotherapy with stinging insects venom provides long-lasting protection against systemic allergic reactions.