Allergy to insect stings: triggers and prevention
After a bee or wasp sting, an exaggerated reaction in the area of the injection site – a so-called local allergic reaction – occurs in up to 4.5% of the population. Up to 3.5% of the population experience a general allergic reaction – that is, problems that occur at a greater distance from the injection site and which, in severe cases, can lead to permanent physical consequences or even death. As a result of an allergic reaction to bee or wasp stings, about 200 people die every year in Europe, and thousands more are treated in emergency rooms .
Bees and wasps are the most common causative agents
The most common triggers of dangerous allergies to insect venom are honeybees (Apis mellifica) and wasps (genus Vespula ). Although bumblebees, hornets and ants also belong to the same group of insects, they are rarely recorded as triggers of an allergic reaction . Strong swellings , which sometimes persist for several days, can also be caused by mosquitoes and ticks. However, an overall allergic reaction to this insect practically does not occur.
Preventive measures
Insect bites cannot be completely avoided. However, by following some preventive measures, this risk can be significantly reduced, which is especially important for people who have previously been diagnosed with an allergy to insect stings .
The following tips and information may be helpful in preventing insect bites that may be at increased risk of causing an allergic reaction:
- When outdoors, avoid eating and drinking, picking fruit or flowers, staying near garbage cans or fallen fruit, and using perfume or perfumed cosmetics.
- Do not drink from bottles or beverage cans, cover the glasses you drink from, use straws.
- Wash your hands and wipe your mouth after eating.
- Try to keep your skin covered with clothing as much as possible, especially when working in the garden. Loose, light pieces of clothing in which insects can easily get caught, as well as dark-colored clothing, are unsuitable. Prefer light colors. Do not walk barefoot, do not wear open shoes.
- Wear a tight-fitting helmet, gloves and motorcycle clothing when riding a motorcycle. Open bicycle helmets should be equipped with insect protection nets.
- Keep windows in your home closed during the day or secure them with insect screens. In the evening, do not turn on the light near open windows, because hornets are active even in the dark and at night and are mainly attracted to light sources.
- Be aware of hidden insects, especially in your bed or shoes. Avoid bee hives or wasp nests and their immediate surroundings. Remove bee and wasp nests in places where you often stay (e.g. porch) – preferably with the help of a beekeeper or firefighters.
- Wasp traps or wasp sprays can also help.
- Avoid sudden movements if insects approach or if you are near the nest. Walk away slowly, don’t try to scare the insects away! The nests must not be shaken.
- As much as possible, avoid the vicinity of combs and entrance holes to nests.
- Be especially careful during hot summer days, as insects are aggressive in such weather .
- Protect your head with your arms or clothes when attacked by bees or wasps.
What can indicate that you are suffering from an allergy to insect stings?
If you notice any of the following symptoms within a few minutes to an hour after being bitten by an insect, it may indicate that you are suffering from an allergy to insect stings:
- red swelling and itching all over the body or on larger parts of the body further from the injection site,
- problems with blood circulation , such as weakness, drowsiness , dizziness ,
- nausea, vomiting , feeling of pressure on the chest or lack of oxygen .
In the above cases, you should visit your general practitioner , who can issue you a voucher for an examination at an allergy clinic. The ideal time to get an allergy diagnosis is two weeks to six months after the insect sting.
