Insect Sting Allergy

• Mainly bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets.
• Dominant insect varies in different regions.
• In California it’s the bee.
• The honey bee alone leaves its stinger and dies.
• Other stinging insects go on to sting others.

Significant reactions:
• Mainly – inflammatory - large local reaction.
• Uncommonly – allergic reactions.
• Minor – Skin – hives and local swellings (lips, hives).
• Major –“Anaphylactic” – life threatening reactions.
• Shock, convulsions, cardiac, death.

Prevention: Don’t walk outdoors barefoot, avoid fragrances and bright colored outfits, beware of riding bicycles in the park.

Management of anaphylaxis
• Self administer adrenaline emergency syringe.
• Call your doctor and go immediately to ER if symptomatic. • Allergy testing and immunotherapy following anaphylaxis.

Bill Ziering

Rx365  A Year of Tips for the Successful Medical Practice