What are some of the treatments that are used in insect sting allergy?
Avoidance of stinging insects is very important and has been discussed (above). Usual non-allergic reactions and large local reactions have been discussed. For systemic reactions consiting of mild to moderate hives, an antihistamine or a single injection of einephrine may be sufficient. Anaphylaxis (a severe systemic reaction) may occur suddenly after a sting with hives, swelling of the skin, headache, itchy palms and throat, throat swelling, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, uterine cramps, lightheadedness, blurred vision, a feeling of impending doom, palpitations, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness and shock. Wheezing and shortness of breath may occur. Self administered epinephrine in the form of Epi-pen or TwinJect may be lifesaving. Click on this link to a Food Allergy Action Plan and look at the second page. Although it is about another subject, food allergy, page 2 has a nice instruction sheet on how to use these auto-injectors. Severe re
