Topic of the Month: September 2005: The sting of summer
|
In this Topic of the Month, you will learn:
|
Allergy sufferers beware: Stinging insect season is approaching fast. For those people who have severe allergic reactions to insect stings, precautions must be taken to ensure a safe end to the summer.
Up to 5% of Americans are at risk for a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction from stinging insects, called anaphylaxis. Unfortunately, most people are not aware that they are allergic to insect stings until after experiencing a reaction.
The most common stinging insects in the United States include yellow jackets, honeybees, bumblebees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants. It can be difficult to distinguish different types of stinging insects. Check out the PowerPoint presentation that the AAAAI has developed to help identify these insects.
Before the sting
It is important to take precautions before being stung to help avoid a potentially dangerous reaction:
- If you have experienced a severe reaction to insect stings or you think you may be allergic, consult with an allergist/immunologist to accurately diagnose your condition. An allergist/immunologist is the best qualified medical professional trained to manage the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma. To find an allergist/immunologist in your area, call the AAAAI Physician Referral and Information Line at (800) 822-2762 or http://www.aaaai.org/physref/.
- Consider allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy treatment. Venom immunotherapy shots take effect within just a few months. Venom immunotherapy is the closest thing to a "cure" for allergic reactions. It is shown to be 97% effective in preventing future allergic reactions.
Preventing the sting
The following are steps that can be taken to keep from being stung when encountering flying stinging insects:
- Avoid the "territory" of the stinging insect's nest. These insects are most likely to sting if their homes are disturbed, so it is important to have hives and nests around your home destroyed. Since this activity can be dangerous, hire a trained exterminator.
- Remain calm and quiet, and slowly move away.
- Avoid brightly colored clothing and perfume when outdoors. Many stinging insects are searching for food and could confuse you with a flower.
- Be careful when cooking, eating or drinking sweet beverages like soda or juice outdoors. Keep food covered until eaten.
- Wear closed-toe shoes outdoors and avoid going barefoot.
- Avoid loose-fitting garments that can trap insects between material and skin.
If any symptoms of anaphylaxis are present, call 911 immediately.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis:
- Itching and hives all over the body
- Swelling in the throat or tongue
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Stomach Cramps
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- In severe cases, a rapid fall in blood pressure may result in shock and loss of consciousness
Use epinephrine if you are diagnosed with insect allergies and show any of these symptoms.
|
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and may be fatal. If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms after an insect sting, call 911 to get emergency medical treatment immediately. After your symptoms are treated, contact your allergist/immunologist to learn about ongoing treatment options.
It is extremely important that anyone who has had a severe reaction to an insect sting receives follow-up testing from an allergist/immunologist to determine the type of stinging insect that cause the reaction and receive a recommended treatment.
Treating the sting
Allergic or not, insect stings cause discomfort. It is important to take the proper precautions to ease the pain. Use the following tips to help:
- Elevate the affected area and apply ice or a cold compress to reduce the pain and swelling.
- Gently clean blisters with soap and water to prevent secondary infections; do not break the blisters.
- Use topical steroid ointments or oral antihistamines to relieve itching.
- Monitor carefully for symptoms of anaphylaxis. If you experience symptoms, call 911 to get emergency medical treatment immediately.
- Do not pinch the area to remove the stinger. This can result in more venom being released into the skin.
- If severely allergic, inject epinephrine immediately and call 911.
To find an allergist/immunologist in your area, call the AAAAI Physician Referral and Information line at (800) 822-2762 or visit http://www.aaaai.org/physref/.
Additional Resources
 Patient Gallery
Stinging Insect Matching Game
Food and Insect Sting Allergies Children's Book
The Allergy Report
Stinging Insects Fact Sheet
Patient Update: Taking the sting out of summer
Tips to Remember: Stinging Insect Allergy
Tips to Remember: What is Anaphylaxis?
Tips to Remember: What is Allergy Testing?
Tips to Remember: What are "Allergy Shots?"
This topic was reviewed on 9/1/2005 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor.
<back>
|
