title: [Insect venom allergy – the diagnosis can be difficult to make but good treatment is available].
abstract: Bee and wasp stings can cause allergic reactions. Although the local reactions are more frequent, anaphylaxis due to insect stings can be potentially fatal. Rapid recognition of anaphylaxis is therefore critical and reactions should immediately be treated with i.m. adrenaline. Patients having experienced anaphylaxis should be referred to an allergist for diagnostic evaluation and possible venom-immunotherapy (VIT). The clinical history is essential in diagnosis of venom allergy as the test results are not always reliable. Diagnostic testing with venom components might be beneficial in appropriate patients. The analysis of serum tryptase from the acute episode can be crucial. Mastocytosis is associated in about 8 percent of patients with severe anaphylaxis from insect stings and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. VIT is indicated for patients with a history of anaphylaxis and is effective in preventing future anaphylaxis from Hymenoptera stings.
authors: Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Huddinge - Lung- och Allergikliniken, Stockholm, Sweden Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Huddinge - Lung- och Allergikliniken, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors: Theo
authors: T
authors: Gülen
authors: Futurum - Akademin för hälsa och vård - Länssjukhuset Ryhov Jönköping, Sweden Futurum - Akademin för hälsa och vård - Länssjukhuset Ryhov Jönköping, Sweden.
authors: Janne
authors: J
authors: Björkander
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D000818:Animals; D001514:Bee Venoms / Q000276:immunology*; D001516:Bees / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D014862:Wasp Venoms / Q000276:immunology*; D014863:Wasps / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D001514:Bee Venoms; D014862:Wasp Venoms; D004837:Epinephrine