Allergic reaction to wasp stings, mosquito bites etc.

When a bee or wasp stings, the insect releases its venom into the human skin. There is redness, swelling or itching around the puncture site. Although these skin conditions are painful, they heal quickly in most cases. However, there are dangerous exceptions. In Germany, about one to five per cent of adults are allergic to insect bites – especially from wasps, followed by bees. Bites from hornets, bumblebees, mosquitoes and horseflies are less likely to cause allergies.

Physical causes of insect venom allergy

A single sting can be life-threatening for those with severe insect venom allergies. In the case of an allergy to wasp stings, bee stings or mosquito bites, the body’s defence system overreacts. After the first sting, a defence mechanism is set in motion, and numerous antibodies are formed specifically against this poison. Specifically, the body reacts to specific proteins and amino acid compounds that get directly into the blood via the insect venom.

Suppose the insect venom returns to the body when it is stung again. In that case, the immune system reacts violently: it causes the antibodies to swarm out en masse to eliminate the comparatively harmless venom. The result is a massive defence and inflammatory reaction that begins a few minutes after the sting and can affect the whole body.

Every year, this overreaction ends fatally in some cases in Germany. Such cases are prevalent in late summer when the fruit is harvested – the wasps that hatched at the end of August/beginning of September are then looking for food and are, therefore, particularly aggressive.

Since an insect venom allergy can be life-threatening, the affected person must receive medical attention quickly after a sting. To be able to react promptly in the event of another insect bite, those affected should carry an allergy emergency kit with them.

 

Normal and increased reaction to insect bites

The body’s reactions usually start seconds to minutes after the sting. In non-allergic people, a minor, reddened swelling (up to 10 centimetres in diameter) develops around the puncture site, which itches and tightens or hurts. This swelling usually subsides within an hour and is almost gone by the next day.

With an increased local reaction, the swelling is more significant than ten centimetres and very painful. The symptoms can last for more than a day and can be accompanied by a general feeling of illness. In the case of stings all over the body, caution is also required for non-allergy sufferers: Simultaneous stings from many insects (more than 50 in children and 100 in adults) or stings in the head or neck area can be life-threatening even in non-sensitized people.

Insect venom allergy: symptoms

It is typical for allergy sufferers that, on the one hand, the local changes at the injection site are particularly pronounced (prominent wheals, extensive reddening) and spread further (severe itching, swelling, burning and redness all over the body, swelling on the neck and face), on the other hand, general complaints occur – as a sign that the entire organism is affected. This includes:

• Nausea to the point of vomiting
• states of weakness
• shortness of breath
• drowsiness, fainting
• Dizziness, tachycardia
• drop in blood pressure
• swallowing disorders, speech disorders
• fear or confusion

These are severe warning signs that an emergency may develop, such as anaphylactic shock. This is characterized by a life-threatening circulatory collapse with a greatly accelerated pulse and imminent loss of consciousness. In the worst case, cardiac arrest occurs.

 

Allergy to mosquito bites

A mosquito bite usually only triggers a local allergic reaction at the bite site. Extensive physical reactions or anaphylactic shock are rare.

Local allergic reactions are shown by increased, long-lasting redness and swelling. Both can also be more pronounced. Antihistamines, decongestants, and anti-inflammatory ointments can help here.

What to do after a wasp or bee sting?

If, despite all precautionary measures, you have been stung and you do not suffer from an allergy to wasp, wasp or bee stings, you can observe the following information:

• Remove the sting as quickly as possible but carefully – preferably with tweezers, if necessary, by scraping. The sting should not be crushed so that less poison enters the body.
• Then, cool the area with ice cubes or cold water.
• Anti-allergic ointments can relieve the itching, and a sliced ​​onion pressed onto the sting also works well.
• First measures for known insect venom allergies

Even without an insect venom allergy, an insect bite can be uncomfortable. However, such a sting can be life-threatening for allergy sufferers. It is, therefore, essential to react quickly in an emergency.

If you are known to have an allergy, the following measures apply after a sting:

• Use your doctor-prescribed emergency kit immediately.
• Lie on your back with your legs elevated.
• If necessary, dial emergency services.

Medical advice should be sought after every allergic reaction, no matter how minor. However, take someone with you and never drive a car yourself – you could become unconscious!

Allergy Emergency Kit

If an allergy has already occurred, the doctor will prescribe an emergency kit with which those affected can react directly on-site. It mainly contains an injection or spray with adrenaline to combat respiratory and circulatory problems, as well as cortisone and antihistamines. In some cases, an asthma spray may also be included.

 

Hyposensitization to insect venom

Hyposensitization is an established treatment option for bee or wasp venom allergies, also known as specific immunotherapy (SIT) or allergy vaccination. First, an allergy test is carried out to determine precisely what the patient is allergic to. In a subsequent consultation, a decision is made as to whether hyposensitization is an option.

With this method, the corresponding poison is injected under the skin in a significantly diluted form in slowly increasing doses (subcutaneous immunotherapy = SCIT) or – dripped under the tongue or taken as tablets ( sublingual immunotherapy = SLIT). This stimulates the immune system to form antibodies against the poison. Over time, the organism reacts less and less sensitively to it.

Hyposensitization aims to reduce the allergy sufferer’s sensitivity to insect venom and to ensure protection that lasts as long as possible. The therapeutic success rate of wasp and bee venom allergy is 80 to 90 percent. Both forms of hyposensitization can have slight side effects, especially at the beginning. These include itching, redness, or swelling.

13 tips to protect against insect bites

It is best, of course, if there is no sting in the first place. These tips will help you prevent an insect bite:

1. Do not make frantic movements when a bee or wasp approaches; do not blow on the animals.
2. Do not walk barefoot in the grass, as bees and wasps like to stay on the ground.
3. Protect yourself from insect bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and trousers (especially when gardening).
4. Be careful with open soda cans – a bee or wasp could have gotten lost. Special attachments are on the market for glasses and mugs to avoid this. A thin straw can also help.
5. Strongly scented cosmetics attract bugs as well as sweat.
6. Avoid bright colours and floral patterns on clothes – these also attract insects.
7. Sweets or meat and sausage products should be locked away immediately after eating.
8. Wash your face and hands thoroughly after eating.
9. Always apply insect repellent before going outdoors.
10. Avoid using outdoor waste baskets. The trash attracts bees and wasps.
11. Keep windows closed during the day or install insect screens.
12. Be careful when picking fruit, as wasps often hang near fallen fruit.
13. Children are also at risk. Explain to them what you have to consider when dealing with insects.

As an allergy sufferer, you must always take your first-aid kit with you during the summer months. They should be safe in their application – otherwise, get yourself instructed by a doctor. Also, inform family, friends and colleagues about your allergy and explain what to do in an emergency.