Allergy Shots an Option Against Stings

For people who have asthma and have experienced a severe reaction to insect stings, allergy shots may be an option, says a U.S. expert.

Venom immunotherapy is the closest thing to a cure for allergic reactions. It is shown to be 97 percent effective in preventing future allergic reactions to insect stings, according to Dr. Clifford M. Tepper of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

The AAAAI’s How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines provides information to assist patients and healthcare professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist.

Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:

– Have reactions possibly due to insect stings for accurate identification of specific allergen and consideration for immunotherapy, or allergy shots.

– Have a severe allergic reaction — anaphylaxis — without an obvious defined trigger.

– Have had anaphylaxis attributed to food, drugs or insect stings.

– Have had exercise-induced anaphylaxis or food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis.