Bee-sting anaphylaxis in childhood.
The syndrome of bee-sting anaphylaxis is described. Children who have suffered crescendo reactions to previous bee stings, especially children with a history of asthma, are significantly at risk. Desensitization is required in such cases; adrenaline should be kept in the home, and parents should be trained in its emergency use. The immunological mechanisms of bee-sting anaphylaxis are described. The striking seasonal incidence of anaphylaxis suggests that pollen or plant products which are incorporated in the venom may also be important in its genesis; it suggests also that antigens prepared from either whole-body or pure-venom extracts should be prepared from bees which are collected in late spring.
D000336:Aerosols; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D001514:Bee Venoms / Q000506:poisoning*; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000379:methods; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006728:Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D011398:Promethazine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000336:Aerosols; D001514:Bee Venoms; D001639:Bicarbonates; D006728:Hormones; D011398:Promethazine; D000420:Albuterol; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D004837:Epinephrine