It is estimated that over 13.5 million may be at risk for anaphylaxis due to insect stings. Reactions can happen at any age and can even occur after you have had a normal local reaction in the past. Most everyone will react to an insect sting in some way, however, the severity of the reaction varies by individual. Some may not experience a reaction until they have been stung several times.
The top five stinging insects that cause severe allergic reactions are: bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants. Patients with insect sting allergy are at risk of having a life threatening reaction each time they are stung.
There are three types of reactions to insect stings:
Anyone who has experienced an allergic reaction in the past has a significantly increased chance of a similar or worse reaction if stung again. If you have experienced an allergic reaction of any kind, consult a board certified allergist as soon as possible. Your allergist will perform an evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Venom Immunotherapy (allergy shots) to bees, wasps or fire ants, if warranted, is a potential treatment option. Venom Immunotherapy can reduce the likelihood of anaphylaxis by more than 95% from future stings and may result in permanent desensitization to the insect venom.
Experience symptoms beyond localized swelling, such as hives, throat closure, flushing. Please see list of symptoms below. This type of reaction may advance into anaphylaxis, which is a life threatening allergic reaction that impairs breathing, causes sudden drop in blood pressure and can send the body into shock within minutes of a sting.
Patients who think they might be allergic to insect stings should see an allergy specialist for insect allergy testing. Patients who are found to be allergic will be educated on methods to avoid future stings and will be prescribed self-injectable epinephrine to use in an emergency. Those that have experienced a systemic reaction to an insect sting are at risk for similar or worse reactions if they are stung again.
Venom Immunotherapy (allergy shots) to stinging insects will dramatically reduce the likelihood of anaphylaxis from future stings and may result in a permanent cure. Over 90% of patients who complete venom immunotherapy will never suffer from a systemic reaction again.
Here in the Lowcountry, fire ants cause a majority of insect sting allergies. Additionally, because fire ants are so widespread and active year round in the Lowcountry, it can be very hard to avoid future stings even with appropriate precaution.
If you or someone you know has experienced a life threatening insect sting reaction, make an appointment today to see one of our board certified allergists.