Insect Sting Hypersensitivity

Insects frequently associated with insect sting allergy include:

Honeybee
Yellow Hornet
White Faced Hornet
Yellow Jacket
Paper Wasp
Fire Ant

Individuals with insect sting allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against insect venom allergens. When these IgE antibodies bind venom after an insect sting, an allergic reaction develops ranging in mild (large local reaction) to life-threatening severity (systemic allergic reaction).

Symptoms of Large Local Reactions include:

Swelling Contiguous to Site of Sting
Delayed Onset and Resolution

Symptoms of a Systemic Allergic Reaction (anaphylaxis) include:

Hives, Itching, Flushing
Swelling of Lip, Tongue, and/or Throat
Cough, Wheeze, Shortness of Breath, Chest Tightness
Abdominal Cramps, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Lightheadedness and/or Passing Out (Low Blood Pressure)
Anxiety
Seizure

Insect sting allergy can be life-threatening.

Allergists are the experts in insect sting allergy and diagnose this condition by history, exam, and allergy tests.

The goals in the treatment of insect sting allergy are the prevention of symptoms and, in the case of insect sting, the management of adverse allergic symptoms including anaphylaxis.

Treatment of insect sting allergy includes:

Insect Avoidance
Maintenance of Epinephrine Auto-Injector
Immunotherapy

Insect venom immunotherapy is highly effective in preventing systemic allergic reactions to future insect stings.

By visiting an Allergist, you too can take control of your insect sting allergy and improve your quality of life.

Conditions Treated

Allergy Shots

Allergy immunotherapy, also called “allergy shots,” is prescribed to modify the immune system’s response to allergens with the goal of minimizing and/or preventing an allergen initiated inflammatory response.
Allergy Drops & Tablets

Allergy drops, and tablets are two forms of sublingual immunotherapy that are injection-free alternatives to allergy shots. Both contain environmental allergen such as pollen, dust mites, molds, cat, or dog.
Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that usually starts in childhood but can occur at any age. Allergists are considered the experts in asthma and diagnose this condition by history, exam and breathing tests of the airways.
Allergy & Sinus

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US. Individuals with allergic rhinitis develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergens including pollen, animal proteins, dust mites, mold, and insect droppings.
Food Allergy

Food allergy affects 5% of children and 4% of adults in the United States and is defined as an adverse health event that is immune mediated and occurs reproducibly. Individuals with IgE mediated food allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against food allergens.
Allergic Rashes

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that usually starts at age < 5 years. It is characterized by itchy skin that becomes inflamed with scratching. For this reason, atopic dermatitis is known as the “itch that rashes.”
Other Conditions