Newswise — People with stinging insect allergies don't have to live in fear of picnics, parks and gardens. Studies have shown that allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, are 97 percent effective in protecting allergic people from potentially life-threatening reactions to insect sting venom.
Stings by insects including bees, hornets, yellow jackets, wasps, and fire ants, send more than half a million people each year to hospital emergency rooms and cause at least 50 deaths, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). Experts believe that many more deaths occur that are never identified as caused by insect sting allergies.
"Don't look like a flower, smell like a flower or act like a flower," said Richard D. deShazo, M.D., chair of the ACAAI Insect Hypersensitivity Committee and an allergist at University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss. "Bees are attracted to flowers and they'll be attracted to you if you dress in bright colors and floral prints, wear strong perfumes and walk barefoot in the grass among the clover that bees love so much."
"Allergic reactions to insect stings require immediate medical attention. People who know they are allergic should never be without an emergency kit containing epinephrine (adrenaline). If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction for the first time from an insect sting or bite, get to an emergency room right away," he said.
These symptoms include hives, itchiness, swelling in areas other than the sting site, difficulty breathing, dizziness, hoarse voice and swelling of the tongue. In severe reactions, the person may lose consciousness and can have cardiac arrest.
"Once you've had an allergic reaction to an insect sting, you have a 60 percent chance of having another similar or worse reaction if you're stung again. You should have an allergist prescribe an epinephrine kit and teach you and your family members how to administer the injection. You also should discuss whether you're a candidate for allergy shots that desensitize you to insect stings," Dr. deShazo said.
Most people are not allergic to insect stings and should learn to recognize the difference between an allergic reaction and a normal or large local reaction. Although insect repellents do not work against bees, hornets, yellow jackets, wasps, and fire ants, there are ways to minimize your chances of being stung. Here are some additional tips from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology:
-- Keep food covered when eating outdoors.
-- Don't drink soft drinks from cans. Stinging insects are attracted to the sweetness and may crawl inside the can.
-- Garbage cans stored outside should be covered with tight-fitting lids.
-- Keep window and door screens in good repair. Drive with car windows closed.
-- Keep prescribed medications handy at all times and follow the attached instructions if you are stung. These medications are for immediate emergency use while en route to a hospital emergency room for observation and further treatment.
-- If you have a child who is allergic, make sure teachers, camp counselors and other adult supervisors know, and that the child has an emergency epinephrine kit.
Patient information on insect venom allergy, anaphylaxis and allergy shots is available by calling the ACAAI toll free number at (800) 842-7777 or visiting its Web site at http://www.acaai.org.
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization comprising nearly 5,000 qualified allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals. The College is dedicated to the clinical practice of allergy, asthma and immunology through education and research to promote the highest quality of patient care.
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