Insect Allergy
Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment |
Prevention |
Organizations
Definition
An insect allergy is an adverse or abnormal reaction to an insect sting or bite.
Causes
Allergic reactions occur due to the sting of an insect. Stinging insects include:
- Honeybees
- Yellow jackets
- Hornets
- Wasps
- Fire ants
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Skin rash, hives, swelling, particularly in areas away from the sting site
- Swelling of lips, tongue, face, throat
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing
- Dizziness, fainting
- Severe drop in blood pressure
- Respiratory and/or cardiac arrest
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
- Age: young children
- History of other types of allergies, including hay fever
- Family history of allergy
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Most diagnoses are based on a history of an allergic reaction after a sting.
Tests include:
Scratch Skin Test
The doctor will put a dilute extract of the insect's venom on your forearm or back skin. If there is swelling or redness, an allergic reaction may be present. Using the results of the skin test in combination with your history of symptoms, the doctor will make the diagnosis. This test should not be used if you are severely allergic or have eczema.
RAST or ELISA Test
In these cases, the doctor may order blood tests (RAST or ELISA). These tests measure the level of insect-specific IgE in the blood. IgE is a type of protein that the body produces when it comes in contact with something it is allergic to. The presence of IgE in the blood may indicate an allergy.
Treatment
If you are having trouble breathing, call for emergency medical help immediately.
Treatment may include:
Epinephrine - injected immediately in the event of a severe, life-threatening insect sting allergy
Antihistamine Medications - used to decrease swelling, itching
Corticosteroid Medications - given for more severe swelling, itching
Immunotherapy – a series of allergy shots to gradually desensitize you to insect stings
Prevention
To reduce your chance of having an insect allergy reaction:
- Avoid situations where you may be around stinging insects.
- Be very careful when doing yard or garden work, or when hiking in the forest.
- Don't walk barefoot.
- Don't wear scented products (perfumes can attract stinging insects).
- Keep exposed skin to a minimum.
- Consider immunotherapy (allergy shots) to lessen your reaction to insect stings.
- Carry a bee sting kit with you at all times. These contain self-injectable epinephrine.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace to inform others of your allergy.
Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org/
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
http://allergy.mcg.edu/
Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
http://www.jcaai.org/
SOURCES:
Middleton: Allergy: Principles and Practice, 5th ed. Mosby-Year Book, 1998.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Last reviewed June 2001 by Medical Review Board
