Insect venom allergy is the most dangerous in the case of hymenoptera insect stings, i.e. bees, wasps, hornets and ants. Allergic reactions following their bite are local or general changes. Bee and wasp stings can cause severe general anaphylactic and life-threatening reactions.

Insect venom allergyhas many different faces - from an unpleasant, though essentially harmless reaction at the bite site to anaphylactic shock. This is because the venom of stinging insects is a mixture of compounds with high biological activity (enzymes, biogenic amines, alkaline peptides) that have a very strong immunogenic effect. In terms of allergenicity, bee venom is different from wasp venom and there is no cross-allergy in these insects. The most potent allergen of bee venom is phospholipase A2. Hyaluronidase, acid phosphatase and melittin exhibit slightly weaker immunogenic properties. The most potent antigenic components of wasp venom are phospholipases A and B, hyaluronidase, antigen 5 as well as mastoprano and kinins.

It is worth remembering that the cause of local and even generalized allergic symptoms may also be bites of mosquitoes, fleas, lice or bedbugs. Similarly, insect droppings, particles of insect scales and wings floating in the dust may cause symptoms of allergies such as:

  • inhalation allergy
  • food allergy
  • contact allergy

Insect venom allergy - causes

The pathomechanism of an allergic reaction to insect stings has not been fully elucidated. The generalized reaction after a sting is usually immediate and follows the first type of IgE-mediated reaction according to Gell and Coombs.

The role of IgG4 in these processes is still under discussion. Some people assume that a high concentration of specific IgE should be considered a marker of allergy, while a high concentration of venom-specific IgG as a marker of immunity and a degree of protection of the organism.

A carefully conducted medical history, skin tests and determination of allergen-specific IgE help in the diagnosis of insect venom allergy. This type of diagnostics should be performed in specialized centers.

Insect venom allergy - symptoms

The most dangerous consequence of a sting is anaphylactic shock, which usually occurs suddenly and withoutspecialist help may result in death.

In the case of allergic people it is always an extremely dangerous situation. Therefore, people who know that they are allergic to Hymenoptera venom should always carry a special adrenaline syringe with them during their flights.

There are so-called auto-injectors containing adrenaline in a dose intended for children and adults.

Local reactions include:

  • excessive reaction at the site of the sting
  • redness
  • swelling
  • limited hives

Organ symptoms include:

  • angioedema with laryngeal edema
  • bronchial asthma attack
  • acute gastrointestinal symptoms

The early complications of generalized allergic reactions in the form of myocardial infarction and arrhythmias are also life-threatening.

Insect venom allergy - treatment

Treatment of insect venom allergy can be divided into symptomatic and causal.

After being stung by an insect, which may develop an allergic reaction, put a bandage above the sting site, remove the sting and put an ice pack or an epinephrine-soaked swab on the affected area.

If an acute anaphylactic reaction develops, administer parenteral adrenaline, hydrocortisone and antihistamines.

The causal treatment of insect venom allergy is specific immunotherapy, which is the only treatment that relieves the person at risk from dangerous anaphylactic symptoms.

Desensitization treatment prevents systemic reactions in over 95% of allergic patients.

The range of drugs that can be used for desensitization is quite wide, but such treatment must always be carried out by an experienced allergist.

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Insect venom allergy - precautions

The Polish climate zone is inhabited by over 100,000 species of insects that can sting and bite us. But only two families - waspes and bees - can be life threatening. The stings of these insects are composed of two so-called bristles that stick into the body.

Bees are especially dangerous. The specific structure of their stings means that after being bitten, it remains in our body (the wasps make an "injection") along with the stinging apparatus, the venom gland and the nerve ganglia. The insect dies. However, from the venom sac left in the body, the toxic substance may be injected for a few more minutes, due to the regular contractions of the apparatusprickly.

  • How to remove a bee's sting?

During an attack, the bee injects 50-100 and the wasp 2-10 µg of the venom. That is why it is so important to remove the sting quickly. How to do it? It is best to scrape the sting out with a fingernail or a sharp knife to reduce the amount of venom entering the bloodstream. Do not use tweezers for this, because by pressing it against the sting, you will introduce an additional portion of venom.

For allergic people, mosquito and fluff stings can also be very unpleasant. Mornings are best disinfected with salicylic alcohol. If the wounds are scratched, they can be smeared with a gentian.

Troublesome itching can be neutralized with special gels and ointments.

In addition, people sensitive to insect venom should use repellent preparations that can be sprayed on both skin and clothes. It is worth remembering not to use this type of means when you want to sunbathe and immediately after sunbathing.

In summer, bees or wasps are particularly persistent and attack for no reason. If you are allergic, remember about a few important rules:

  • hide in a dark room from bees - insects hate the dark and will fly out into the light
  • do not make sudden movements and do not try to hit the insect
  • do not wear patterned clothes, best in muted or natural colors (white, green, beige)
  • when someone near you gets stung, walk away at least 50 meters, other insects may come to the aid of their cousin and sting anyone in the vicinity
  • do not wear clothes that are stained with juice or ice cream, it works like a magnet for wasps and bees
  • when you eat a meal outdoors, make sure that all dishes are covered, smells also attract insects, the smell of sweaty body can also attract them
  • do not walk barefoot on the grass as wasps often nest in the ground
  • avoid places where insects readily gather, e.g. apiaries, meadows, orchards during the flowering period
About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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Category:

Allergies