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Patients & Consumers Online Tools Find an Allergist / Immunologist Pollen Counts Diseases 101 Drug Guide Featured Resources » AAAAI Tips Brochures Topic of the Month New Research Information Request Form Donate Now En Español Just for Kids Seniors Contact Us Search by Condition (A-Z) Request a Speaker Smoke Free Homes Referral Guidelines Other Resources En Español Just for Kids Seniors		Topic of the Month: September 2004: Stinging Insect Allergy: How to avoid the sting this summer Ouch! Those pesky insects have made their summer debut, and for most people this means the occasional sting with pain lasting only a few hours. However, some people are allergic to insect stings and can have more severe reactions that must be closely monitored. The most common stinging and biting insects include yellow jackets, honeybees, bumblebees, paper wasps, hornets, fire ants and mosquitoes. In this month's topic you will: Learn what an allergic reaction to stinging insects is Play a matching game to identify stinging insects Read about tips to treat insect stings Discover ways to avoid stinging insects Learn about insect immunotherapy Find additional AAAAI resources on stinging insect allergy Allergic Reaction Most people will experience temporary redness, swelling and itching at the site of an insect sting. However when an allergic person is stung, his or her body produces an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The venom reacts with the IgE antibodies which trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic reactions. For a small number of people with severe venom allergy, stings may be life-threatening. Severe allergic reactions to insect stings can involve many body organs and may develop rapidly. This reaction is called anaphylaxis. If you are severely allergic to insect stings, it is important to carry an auto-injectable epinephrine (Epi-pen™) device in case of an emergency. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include itching and hives over large areas of the body, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea or diarrhea. In severe cases, a rapid fall in blood pressure may result in shock and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and may be fatal. If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms after an insect sting, obtain emergency medical treatment immediately. After your symptoms are treated in the emergency room, you should obtain referral to an allergist/immunologist to learn about treatment options. Identify Stinging Insects It can be difficult to identify and distinguish the different types of stinging insects. Learn more about stinging insects with the Stinging Insect Matching Game. Tips to Treat Insect Stings Elevate the affected arm or leg and apply ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. Apply an over-the-counter product like Calamine lotion on the infected area. Gently clean blisters with soap and water to prevent secondary infections; do not break blisters. Use topical steroid ointments or oral antihistamines to relieve itching. Carry your epinephrine with you at all times if severely allergic. See your doctor if swelling progresses or if the sting site seems infected. If you are stung by a honeybee that has left its stinger (and attached venom sac) in your skin, remove the stinger within 30 seconds to avoid receiving more venom. A quick scrape of the fingernail removes the stinger and sac. Avoid squeezing the sac - this forces more venom through the stinger into the skin. If you are stung by fire ants, carefully brush them off to prevent repeated stings and leave the area. Fire ant stings usually result in the development of a blister about 24 hours after the sting. The materials in the blister will become cloudy and appear to be pustular, but it is not. This is just dead tissue and should be left alone. It will dry and heal within 7-10 days. Tips to Avoid Insect Stings Keep away. Stay out of the "territory" of stinging insects' nests. Hire a trained exterminator to destroy the hives and nests around your home. If you encounter flying insects, remain calm and quiet, and move away slowly. Do not swat them. Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing and heavy scented perfume with outdoors. Avoid loose fitting garments that can trap insects between material and skin. Wear closed-toe shows outdoors and avoid going barefoot. Be careful when cooking, eating or drinking sweet drinks like juice or soda outdoors - the smell of food attracts insects. Keep all food covered until eaten. Insects are attracted to trash containers; keep these areas clean and keep them at a distance away from your area of activity. Insect Immunotherapy Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy treatment, may be an effective treatment for those with severe reactions to insect stings. These venom immunotherapy shots take effect within just a few months. During immunotherapy, the allergist/immunologist administers gradually stronger doses of venom extract every few weeks. Venom immunotherapy is the closest thing to a "cure" for allergic reactions to insect stings. It is shown to be 97% effective in preventing future allergic reactions. Those who have just begun immunotherapy should carry self-injectable epinephrine (Epi-pen™) shots, an emergency rescue treatment for severe allergic reactions. Additional Resources Stinging Insect Matching Game Stinging Insect Allergy Tip Brochure Food and Insect Sting Allergies Children's Book The Allergy Report The ADVOCATE Patient Newsletter Summer 2000 Article: When mosquito allergy stings This topic was reviewed on 8-29-04 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor. <back>
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