Missouri Insect Allergy Treatment in St. Louis

Stinging insect allergy, also called venom allergy, occurs when the immune system overreacts to the venom transferred by an insect during a sting. Insect allergies include bee allergies, fire ant allergies, wasp allergies, and hornet allergies.

In most individuals with stinging insect allergy, reactions are caused by 5 types of insects:

• Yellow Jackets
• Honeybees and Bumble Bees
• Paper Wasps
• Hornets
• Fire Ants

Stinging Insect Allergy Symptoms

Even if you are not allergic, insect stings typically cause a visible reaction on the skin in the form of redness, swelling, pain, and blistering. If you are allergic, however, the swelling and redness typically affects a larger area and tends to itch as well.

Individuals with a serious insect allergy can experience severe systemic symptoms, called anaphylaxis, when stung by an insect that they are allergic to. Stinging insect allergy symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:

• Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Itchiness and hives over large areas of the body
• Dizziness
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Stomach cramps

Anaphylaxis can be life threatening. Please seek emergency medical attention immediately if you observe any of the above symptoms.

It’s also possible to have a toxic response to insect stings even if you’re not allergic. Symptoms are similar to anaphylaxis in this case, but are caused by an ‘overdose’ of insect venom rather than an allergic response. A toxic reaction to insect venom really only occurs when you take on a very large number of stings.

Serum sickness is another distinct reaction to an insect sting that’s not allergy-related but can have allergy-like symptoms. Serum sickness is an unusual reaction to a foreign substance in the body that can cause symptoms hours or days after the sting. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, other flu-like symptoms, and sometimes hives.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Stinging Insect Allergy Testing in Missouri

Tried and true allergy testing methods can be used to confirm your stinging insect allergy diagnosis. Typically, stinging insect allergies can be detected with a skin test using venom extract. Blood testing may also be used if skin testing is not viable or if skin test results are uncertain, as we explain in more detail below.

Dr. Cajigal can help you determine whether or not you have an insect allergy, and help you develop a plan in case you have another run in with a stinging insect. When first evaluating for a stinging insect allergy, Dr. Cajigal will ask you questions about previous stings, your reaction to those stings, and what symptoms you experienced. Diagnostic questions can include the following:

• How many stings have you had?
• Where were you stung?
• What was your reaction like? What symptoms did you experience?
• How long did your reaction last?
• What did you do to alleviate your reaction?

If your experiences are consistent with an insect allergy, Dr. Cajigal will administer a skin-prick test and/or an intradermal skin test to confirm your diagnosis. In a skin-prick test, a small amount of liquid containing insect venom is placed on the back or the forearm and then pricked with a sterile needle to allow the liquid to seep into the skin. Because patients are usually unaware of what insect they reacted to, venom testing is usually performed with each of the five commercial venom extracts: bee, wasp, yellow jacket, yellow hornet, and white faced hornet. The treated area is examined 15 to 20 minutes after the venom is administered to see if a reaction has occurred.

If the skin prick test is negative or inconclusive then an intradermal skin test may be used. An intradermal test involves injecting a small amount of venom extract just under the skin, and is considered to be more sensitive than the skin-prick test. If both skin-prick and intradermal tests are negative, then Dr. Cajigal may recommend a blood test as a final step to rule out insect allergy as the cause of your reaction.

in St. Louis, Missouri

How to Avoid Stinging Insects

Because insect stings can be quite painful, we recommend that everyone do what they can to avoid them, but avoidance is especially important if you’re allergic because anaphylaxis from insect allergies can be life threatening.

• Watch out for hives and nests: Insects are most likely to sting if their homes are disturbed. Be mindful of hives and nests.
• Have hives and nests destroyed around your home: Limit your exposure to stinging insects by removing them from your home. Commercial products or an exterminator may be required to fully remove a hive or a nest.
• Move away quickly: If you accidentally disturb an insect’s home, move away quickly.
• Cover yourself outdoors: Wear closed-toe shoes and socks outside, and wear work gloves when working in the yard.
• Avoid wearing bright colors and perfume scents: Insects can confuse bright colors and perfume scents with flowers; avoid brightly colored clothing and perfume when outdoors.
• Cover food and drinks outdoors: Sweet foods and beverages can attract insects; cover food and drinks when cooking, eating, or drinking outside.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Insect Bite Allergy Treatment in Missouri

Non-severe allergic reactions to stinging insects can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medications. Topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone, can also help reduce swelling when applied at the site of the reaction. Ice can be applied to the affected area to help reduce swelling as well. Blisters from insect stings usually heal on their own within a few days as long as they’re kept clean and dry. Anti-infection ointments like bacitracin or neosporin can help minimize the chance of infection.

Treatment for Severe Insect Allergy (Anaphylaxis)

Insect Allergy Shots

References