Newswise — The arrival of summer brings with it an alarming increase of honey bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets, especially dreadful for those who experience severe allergic reactions to insect venom.
Many who have reactions like hives, breathing difficulty, coughing or a drop in blood pressure are unaware that Epipens, self-injected epinephrine, are no longer the only way to treat insect venom allergies. Preventative measures, like allergy shots, show good results and reduce the chance for subsequent reactions to a very small percent.
Raymond Slavin, M.D., an allergy expert and professor of internal medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine division of allergy and clinical immunology, has been running clinics to test people for venom allergies since the testing and treatment first became available in the 1970's. Slavin is available to discuss severe reactions to insect venom, ways to avoid stings and treatment options.
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