Stinging Insect Allergies

When you have stinging insect allergies, time spent outside can put you at risk for uncomfortable allergy symptoms. At Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates, the experienced allergy specialists offer on-site testing to identify the insects that trigger an allergic reaction in adults and children. The team creates a care plan to relieve itching, swelling, and other allergy symptoms quickly. They can also work with you on an emergency plan if you have severe anaphylactic reactions. Call the Boulder, Denver, Westminster, Littleton, Arvada, or Lakewood, Colorado, office to schedule a consultation for stinging insect allergies, or book an appointment online today. 

What are stinging insect allergies?

Stinging insect allergies occur when you’re allergic to the venom of certain insects, including:

• Hornets
• Fire ants
• Yellowjackets
• Honey bees
• Paper wasps

After a sting, your immune system produces antibodies in its defense. These antibodies can trigger symptoms in children and adults that range from mild to life-threatening.

Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates provides diagnostic testing services on-site to confirm a stinging insect allergy. The medical team also customizes a care plan to treat your existing allergy symptoms and prevent additional complications.

When should I get medical attention for stinging insect allergies?

You can meet with the Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates team if you experience symptoms after an insect sting, such as:

• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Hives

Severe reactions to a sting can also include dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea.

If you have anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction, you can experience sudden swelling in your airways, making breathing difficult. You may also lose consciousness after an insect sting. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate care.

The allergy specialists provide in-office allergy tests to identify which insects trigger an allergic reaction in your immune system. They inject small amounts of insect venom just under the surface of your skin and monitor you for a reaction.

How are stinging insect allergies treated?

Immediately after a sting, try to remove the stinger from your skin to limit your venom exposure. You can also apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area to ease any discomfort.

The Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates team can recommend topical or oral steroids or antihistamines to relieve itching and inflammation. They may also prescribe allergy medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots) to reduce your body’s reaction to insect venom.

If stinging insects trigger an anaphylactic reaction, the team provides an epinephrine autoinjector that you inject yourself with after a sting. The medication in the device quickly reverses airway inflammation so that you can prevent breathing difficulties.

The allergy specialists can also recommend strategies to avoid insect stings. For example, if you have beehives or hornet nests around your home, you should seek professional help to remove them.

Call the Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates office near you to schedule a consultation for stinging insect allergies, or book an appointment online today.