‘Say Aaah’ : Your Health : Ease Sting of Venom Allergies
Few people get through life without the pain or discomfort of a sting by a bee, yellow jacket, hornet or wasp, and many of us are stung more than once. For those who are allergic to the insect venom, these seemingly minor encounters can cause serious, even life-threatening complications.
Each of these types of insects can trigger an allergic reaction. Some people are allergic to the venom of several of these insects, others to only one or two.
Typically, insect stings cause only mild redness, pain or swelling at the site of the sting. The symptoms generally subsides within several hours. In people with sting allergies, however, stings can cause a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
The most common symptoms of anaphylaxis involve only the skin, and include hives, flushing and swelling. However, the heart and lungs can also be affected, causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure and difficulty breathing. Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually occur within several minutes of the sting and, if not treated quickly, can be deadly.
When an insect sting allergy is suspected, skin tests should be performed to confirm the diagnosis and guide proper treatment. Skin testing involves placing a small amount of the insect venom under the skin and monitoring your body’s response to it. Special venom extracts are used for this type of testing. Because people who are allergic to one type of insect are often allergic to others as well, testing should always be performed with each of the available venoms.
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Once an insect allergy is diagnosed, the most important thing you can do is avoid being stung again. Simple precautions can greatly reduce your risk. For example, wear long pants, shirts with long sleeves and shoes whenever you are outdoors. The clothing acts as a barrier between you and the insects. Also, be extremely careful whenever you cook or eat outside because the smell of food attracts insects.
If you are stung and develop symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible and receive an injection of a medication called epinephrine. People who have suffered anaphylactic reactions to stings should carry epinephrine with them and be prepared to give it to themselves if they are stung.
If you have experienced a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to a sting, talk to your physician about a procedure called venom immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is very effective in preventing repeat anaphylactic reactions to stinging insects. It involves giving an allergic person the venom he is allergic to.
Initially, very small doses of the venom are given. The doses are then gradually increased until a maintenance dose is reached. Although the length of therapy varies, maintenance doses are typically continued until the skin test becomes negative, or three to five years have passed. If the therapy is stopped prematurely, protection is often lost. Venom immunotherapy should also be considered if you have suffered less severe anaphylactic sting reactions and have a positive skin test to one or more venom extracts.
* Dr. Jonathan Fielding is the director of public health and health officer for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
* Dr. Valerie Ulene is a board-certified specialist in preventive medicine practicing in Los Angeles. They can be reached by e-mail at ourhealth@dhs.co.la.ca.us.
