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Venom immunotherapy effective in preventing severe insect sting reactions
Insect sting allergies affect 5% of the population, and venom immunotherapy is available to help treat them, according to findings in a recent report published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
“While it does not always cure insect sting allergy, venom immunotherapy, a form of allergy shots, can almost always prevent severe reactions to stings,” David B.K. Golden, MD, of the Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, said in a press release. “It usually provides long-lasting immunity even after the treatment is stopped.”
One percent of children and 3% of adults have a systemic reaction to an insect sting, and at least 5% have had abnormally large or prolonged swelling at the site of the sting, according to the researchers.
The recommended duration of venom immunotherapy is 3 to 5 years, but because there is a chance for relapse, patients should be tested regularly. In those who have been stung in between testing without a reaction, the risk remains because of different genus or species of insects. The chance of having an allergic reaction continues to be 70% in adults and 30% in children, even after 10 to 20 years from the original reaction, according to the study results.
“Allergy sufferers who have had an allergic reaction to an insect sting should be under the care of a board-certified allergist,” Golden said. “For those with severe reactions, prescribed emergency epinephrine should always be carried. Sufferers should also talk with their allergist to see if venom immunotherapy is right for them. It’s not always a cure, but it is close.”
Disclosure: Golden reports financial relationships with Genentech, Sanofi and Siemens Diagnostics.
