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Stinging Insect Allergies
(Bee Stings, Wasp Stings, Others)
If a serious sting occurs medical attention is always needed even if you used the epinephrine and all seem stable. If epinephrine is not available contact with a doctor is needed. If you are known to be seriously allergic to insects you must remember to carry the epinephrine at all times especially when out of reach of medical care, such as in the woods or even on an airplane. At the same time as using epinephrine an oral dose of antihistamine (like BENADRYL) is taken which will take effect in about one hour. Sometimes epinephrine is not enough and intravenous fluids or other treatment is needed. As you can see one the key here is to first avoid the sting so such treatment isn't necessary.
How can I avoid insect stings?
Obviously the best treatment is avoiding the insect sting. Certain precautionary measures will greatly decrease your chances of being stung. Honey bees are not aggressive and will usually not sting unless disturbed or injured. The majority of honey bee stings are one the bottom of the bare foot while stepping on the bee. Avoid walking bare foot on lawns where honey bees forage on succulent clover. Yellow jackets nest in the ground and in walls. Caution is used with unusual forms in walls and mound in the ground. Hornets and wasps often nest in bushes, trees and under roofs. Use caution too in these areas and in selecting employment requiring exposure to these conditions. Bright colors attract insects seeking nectar. Stinging insects are attracted to food and strong smells. Avoid open food as in garbage cans, dumps and open picnic areas. Do not wear perfumes, hair sprays, and colognes.
It is interesting that bees find black color very irritating and blue is comforting to them. Remember this when selecting your summer bathing attire. If you think that insect repellent of any kind is effective in repelling these stinging insect you are mistaken and in fact may attract them. Please do not use except for reasons other than to avoid stinging insects.
What can I do about becoming immune to insect allergy?
All persons who have had a significant reaction to a stinging insect should be evaluated by an allergy specialist for possible venom immunotherapy (allergy shots that develop an immunity to insect allergy). If indicated by a well recognized protocol, selected patients with significant sensitivity and specific symptoms should undergo allergy injection therapy for stinging insect allergy. Not all patients who have stinging insect reactions should get allergy shots, but many should. Allergy immunotherapy against stinging insects in these selected patient is almost 100% effective. This type of treatment usually involves gradual twice weekly increase in the venom dose over 10-20 weeks. At this dosage level (achieved by 90% of patients) a "maintenance" dosage every 4-8 weeks is given. After approximately 5 years reevaluation discontinuation of the venom shot is considered. The risk of severe adverse reactions from this venom therapy is minimal ( less than 0.2%) and to date no deaths have been reported.Knowledge in the field of stinging insect allergy has expanded greatly in the last 10 years and will likely continue to do so.
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