Are you at risk for a stinging insect allergy reaction?

Every summer millions of Americans experience the great outdoors and may not even realize that as many as 3-5 percent Americans have an allergy to stinging insects, which are reported to be on the rise.  For the majority of us, a sting may cause localized pain, swelling and discomfort lasting for hours or a few days, however, there are a small number of individuals each year who experience a fatal reaction or a potentially life threatening allergic reaction, requiring treatment in an emergency room after an insect sting.  Recently, a professional skateboarding champion after an allergic reaction to a wasp sting turned fatal. 

Stinging Insect Allergy

If you have been sensitized and are “allergic” to the venom from five types of stinging insects, you are certainly at risk for a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as “anaphylaxis!”  These stinging insects are: yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants. 

Helpful Tips to Avoid Insect Stings

1. Stay away from stinging insects nests, when possible;
2. Remain calm and quiet and move slowly away from the stinging insect;
3. Avoid brightly colored clothing, scented personal products, colognes, etc. when outdoors;
4. Consider “closed toe” shoes;
5. Avoid loose-fitting clothing that may accidentally trap insects;
6. Use caution when eating outdoors, especially avoiding sweetened drinks;
7. Have a prescription epinephrine autoinjector (Twinject or Epi-Pen) available for immediate use, if needed;
8.  Go to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology link for additional information on insect allergy, prevention and treatments at:
            http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/stinginginsect.stm.

Allergy testing and treatment for stinging insect allergy

Any person who has a history of a serious reaction to an insect sting needs to be properly evaluated by an expert, your local allergist/immunologist, can do in-office allergy tests to better understand if you are at risk of a serious allergic reaction. He/she will then develop an avoidance and management plan for a stinging insect allergy.  Allergy shot therapy is a highly effective treatment and may help to reduce future reactions to insect stings in 97 percent of those patients receiving shots. 

For additional information about insect allergy, strategies and preventing a reaction and finding an allergist/immunologist in your area, go to: www.allergyandasthmarelief.org

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Each year millions of us have the not so enjoyable experience of getting bitten by a mosquito, especially during the summer months almost everywhere! Are there more mosquitos or more of us getting bitten? Yup, according to a recent study which found a three fold increase in bites over the past decade or so?  This could be just another effect of global warming. 

What is the reason why some of us experience a larger reaction (increased area of swelling and redness at the bite site) vs. those who seem to have pretty low key reactions? The answer may be in whether or not you are sensitive to the proteins present in the insect’s saliva; hence you are allergic to mosquito bites!

There are a variety of reactions mosquito bites may cause, varying from a small amount of redness, swelling and itchiness, all the way up to those who experience extensive redness and swelling.  Rarely, a full blown generalized allergic reaction (Skeeter’s syndrome) can be seen as well.  In fact one of my patients recently required emergency department treatment, including intravenous medication for a severe reaction to her bites. 

Get tested for mosquito allergy!

Recently, I have begun performing an in-office, quick, simple skin test to determine if you are truly “allergic” or sensitive to mosquitoes.   Always consult with your health care provider if you experience large generalized reactions after getting bitten by a mosquito, or another insect.  Evaluation is mandatory for those who have experienced a generalized allergic type reaction to any biting, or stinging insect.   Be prepared if you seem to get lots of bad mosquito bites.  Have a mosquito bite treatment plan in place.

An ounce of prevention is worth a lot.

That means defensive measures really work and may give you a leg up in avoiding “the bite!” First, those who smell nice (use scented products) and sweat a lot may be more attractive to mosquitoes.  Second, prime biting times are usually dawn and dusk.  Third, wearing long sleeves and pants (tucked in to shoes) reduces exposed areas, particularly if you will be hiking or walking in a wooded area. 

How to repel

There is a variety of DEET-containing insect repellent products ranging from a concentration of 5-10 percent, all the way up to 30-40 percent.  The strength of the DEET will dictate how long (hours) you may remain “bite-free.”  Alternatively, natural (eucalyptus oils, etc) insect repellent products are available.  Use these products as directed on the label.

Now if you are unlucky and get bitten, bite treatment can provide significant relief.  Cleaning the area of the bite is essential, and using an over the counter or a prescription strength steroid cream will reduce itch and localized discomfort.  Remember, a cool ice compress will also reduce swelling.

Hope this helps to keep you bite free, and take the “sting” out of summer!

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

This summer children and adolescents who suffer from food allergies will be attending day and or sleep away camps throughout the U.S.  Now is the right time to review the best strategies to minimize risk and raise the level of protection for affected children. With 2.2 million school age children with food allergies, many camps are now going “peanut and nut free” due to the increased prevalence of food allergic children. 

The best resource for the parents and kids in my practice with food allergies has been the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). Visit www.foodallergy.org for more information. “Going to camp is an event that a child remembers forever. The key to success is clear communication with the camp staff and your child about how to manage food allergy restrictions. With advance planning and preparation, children with food allergies should be able to participate in this unique experience filled with a lifetime of memories,” said Anne Muñoz-Furlong, Founder and CEO of FAAN.

 Eating outside of the home, especially during the summer vacation and camp season, can be done safely when proper education and preparedness as well as communication takes place on behalf of food allergic kids everywhere.  Many states have recently enacted laws that provide for ready access to injectable epinephrine to children attending recreational camps.

Here is a just a partial list of helpful suggestions:

– Be a  “label detective” and know the product and chemical names of common food allergens

– Carry and send safe snacks to camp and communicate with the camp staff about your child’s food allergies before it begins

– Discourage food sharing

– If your child has peanut and/or nut allergies look for camps that are peanut free

– Have an emergency action plan in place for the adults responsible for supervising your child at camp. Work with an allergist to develop this plan, such as FAAN’s Food Allergy Action Plan available at http://www.foodallergy.org/actionplan.pdf.

– Your child should have a “medic alert bracelet”(800-ID-ALERT)

Again there is no substitute for careful planning, coordination and communication with camp staff when you have a child with food allergies for a safe and enjoyable summer.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended to diagnose or treat any condition.