All about allergy

Author: Paul A Janson, MD, Instructor, Tufts University School of Medicine; Director, EMT/RN Consultants; Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Lawrence General Hospital.
Coauthor(s): Mary Buechler, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Deaconess-Glover Hospital.
Editors: Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM, Research Director, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Francisco Talavera, […]

Prompt treatment usually avoids any short-term complications, but any delay in the treatment of a severe allergic reaction can result in rapid deterioration and death.
The long-term outlook is usually good as well. Local infection at the sting site can occur but is rare.
Arthritis, kidney failure, or nervous system disorders are late complications of a sting […]

Take precautions to avoid insect stings in the future.
Avoid nests or hives of stinging insects.
Do not wear bright clothing or perfumes that might attract bees and wasps.
Remain calm and quiet around flying insects. Move slowly.
Take special care when around food or drinks outdoors, as at cookouts or picnics. Stinging insects are attracted to foods, especially […]

Make sure that all of your health care providers are aware of the type of reaction you have had.
If you have had a severe or all-over reaction, you should be given a prescription for an epinephrine injection kit (EpiPen) when you leave the hospital.
This is a premeasured dose of epinephrine in an easy-to-use syringe.
You would […]

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be effective in people with severe reactions to certain insect stings.
Allergy shots are given in a series over a few months.
Each shot contains a little bit more of the insect venom antigen.
Ideally, the person becomes desensitized to the antigen over time.
Shots are effective at reducing the severity of the reaction in […]

Epinephrine is the most important treatment and may be lifesaving. Epinephrine is usually given as an injection.
H1 type antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) usually is given by mouth or injection to decrease the histamine reaction. This relieves the itching.
H2 type antihistamine (H2-blocker), such as ranitidine, famotidine, or cimetidine, may be given to augment the effect […]

The top priority for the medical team is ensuring that your breathing and blood pressure are protected.
If you are having difficulty breathing, you may be given oxygen via a tube in your nose or by face mask.
In cases of severe respiratory distress, you may be put on a mechanical ventilator. This is temporary until the […]

For most insect stings, home care is all that is necessary.
If insects are on or around you, remain calm.
Gently brush any insects from your skin.
Quietly leave the area as quickly as you can.
If the stinger is still lodged in the skin, as it usually is after honeybee stings, it should be removed promptly.
You can do […]

One or more prior severe reactions to an insect sting place you at an increased risk of severe reactions with each sting.
It is important to let the health care provider know that you have been stung and whether you have had reactions in the past.
Be prepared to tell the health care provider all of the […]

Mild localized itching, swelling, or discomfort requires a call your health care provider for advice.
Worsening of local symptoms over a few days may be evidence of infection at the sting site. Pain, increased swelling and redness, and warmth suggest an infection. Call your health care provider for an appointment the same day.
If you had a […]

Most insect stings cause some pain and swelling in the area of the sting, called a local reaction.
People who are allergic to bee stings or who have been stung many times may react more dramatically.
A severe local reaction may lead to pain and swelling that increase over the next few hours and becoming very uncomfortable. […]

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system of the body overreacts to an “invader” such as insect venom (the allergen). This overreaction is sometimes referred to as a hypersensitivity reaction.
The white blood cells produce an antibody to the protein in the venom.
The allergic reaction occurs when the antibody, known as immunoglobulin E, or IgE, […]

Several insects belonging to the class Hymenoptera are capable of injecting venom into humans and animals. These insects include honeybees, bumble bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants.
All of these insects are currently found in the United States as well as in most other land areas of the globe. Their venom, which they use […]