For people with venom allergies, a sharp sting from an insect like a hornet or a yellow jacket can result in more than just pain; it can cause an unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction. Mild symptoms include pain, redness, itching, swelling and hives. Some reactions can spread, cause secondary infections or anaphylaxis. [1] Anaphylaxis has symptoms including:
- Feeling faint
- Cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Inability to swallow
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
Luckily, a long-term treatment called immunotherapy can significantly reduce allergic reactions to insect venom. When you reduce the severity of your allergies, you won’t have to worry as much about a wasp flitting around in York River State Park. Though a sting would still hurt, it’s less likely to cause severe symptoms.
Allergy-Causing Insects
A few types of insects that may cause a venom allergy include:
- Fire ants: red, reddish-brown or black ants that are the same size or slightly smaller than regular ants; live in mounds in the ground
- Yellow jackets: black and yellow insects in the wasp family; build nests in walls, logs, underground and in other shaded areas
- Hornets: black and yellow or white striped insects with narrow waists; about the size of a bumblebee; build their nests on roofs or tree overhangs
- Bees: bumblebees, European honeybees and Africanized honeybees, all with black and yellow stripes; honeybees are often skinnier than bumblebees; build nests in holes in the ground, walls and trees
- Paper wasps: reddish-brown to black insects with yellow rings; slightly longer than bees and hold their legs behind them when flying; build their nests in trees or on buildings
If you have a severe venom allergy, starting immunotherapy is an excellent way to keep yourself safe from future stings.
Venom Allergy Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy will slowly decrease your sensitivity to insect venom. During the treatment, your allergist will create a solution containing a small dose of the allergen you’re sensitive to and introduce it to your immune system through shots. Over the course of six months, we’ll gradually increase the allergen dose to build up your resistance. After about six months, you’ll reach the peak dose and maintain that same dose for three to five years.
Many patients will see slight results from immunotherapy from six months to one year, but more noticeable results during the second and third years.
If you’re interested in a long-term treatment approach for your venom allergies, contact Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.
[1] Ewan P. W. (1998). Venom allergy. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 316(7141), 1365–1368. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.316.7141.1365