Fall is in full force here in the Pacific Northwest, and many of us are soaking up the final dry months before winter sets in. If you’re one of the many people who are severely allergic to insect stings, you may be nervous to come in contact with the many insects that are active this time of year. But with venom immunotherapy, there’s hope.
If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to the bite or sting of an insect (such as honeybees, wasps, yellow jackets, or certain ants), your first line of defense is to avoid areas where those insects are most active. Take measures to protect yourself, and carry an epinephrine pen at all times.
To reduce your risk of having a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting in the future, ask your health provider about venom immunotherapy.
What is venom immunotherapy?
Insect venom is the allergen from a bite or sting that people may have a reaction to. Venom immunotherapy is the process of introducing venom (the allergen) to a patient in small doses to build up their immunity over time.
During this process, the venom is administered in gradual quantities, beginning with a very small amount that your body can easily tolerate. Over time, the doses are increased until your body is better equipped to defend itself against the allergen.
This process trains your body so that if you’re stung (after receiving immunotherapy), your reaction to the venom will be less severe.
Venom immunotherapy is highly effective; studies show that it can ease individuals’ allergic reactions to insect venom, plus shrink their risk of having a severe allergic reaction in the future to less than 5%.
Common symptoms of an allergic reaction to insect venom
It’s normal to have a physical reaction to an insect bite or sting. Common symptoms include the following:
- Pain, itchiness, and swelling around the site
- Bump on the site
- Localized or semi-localized swelling and redness
- Warmth
Life-threatening symptoms of an allergic reaction to insect bites or stings
If you are severely allergic to an insect bite or sting, you may experience an anaphylactic (life-threatening) reaction. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include the following:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rash or hives that are not localized
- Lowered blood pressure or rapid pulse
- Swelling of the face, throat, mouth, or tongue
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
If you experience these symptoms, they may be life-threatening. Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Who is a good candidate for venom immunotherapy?
While it is a highly effective form of allergy treatment, venom immunotherapy is not right for every patient. It is most commonly prescribed to people who have good heart and lung health, and who’ve experienced a serious allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting.
If you are taking certain medications, you may not be approved for venom immunotherapy. The best way to determine your eligibility for venom immunotherapy is to talk with your health provider to decide if this course of treatment is right for you.
What is the process of getting venom immunotherapy?
If your health provider prescribes immunotherapy, you will first undergo a series of tests to determine which insects you’re allergic to.
Once the insect (or insects) have been identified, your provider will inject shots containing a small amount of insect venom up to two times per week in gradual doses. When you’ve reached the maximum dose for treatment, your shot frequency will be reduce. You will then continue to receive a ‘maintenance dose’ for up to twice a month, for 3-5 years.
After that time frame, your provider may recommend a course of action for continued treatment depending on your needs and symptoms.
Common symptoms patients experience during venom immunotherapy
Because you’re receiving small doses of an allergen, you can expect to feel slight discomfort during the process. You will receive immunotherapy shots in a clinic so that your provider can monitor your response.
You may experience slight discomfort during venom immunotherapy. Common symptoms may include:
- Warmth, redness, or itching at the injection site
- Inflammation or swelling of the skin
- Hives or rash
These symptoms are normal. We encourage you to ask questions and to talk to your provider about your concerns before and during the course of treatment.
Venom immunotherapy at WWMG
Our highly trained ENT staff has special expertise in treating complex problems of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. Our goal is to maximize the quality of life for all of our patients. At WWMG Department of Ear, Nose, & Throat/Allergy/Audiology, we offer various treatments for managing allergies, including venom immunotherapy for the defense against severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings.
Venom immunotherapy is a highly safe and effective treatment method for patients who experience allergic reactions to insect bites and stings. If you have experienced a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting, talk to your primary care provider or request an appointment with an ENT specialist at WWMG to learn more about venom immunotherapy.