Do you suffer from an insect venom allergy?

If you are stung by an insect , redness and swelling can be the result. In the case of an allergy , however, the symptoms can be far more extreme. Bees and wasps are the most common culprits of allergic reactions. An allergy to insect venom is not genetically inherited. If you are not allergic and are stung in the mouth or throat, life-threatening swelling can still occur.

Insect venom allergy
First of all, even if you suffer from a bee venom allergy , you can still enjoy honey . 3% - 4% of the Swiss population is affected by a bee venom allergy. Bees are mainly out and about in flower meadows in spring and summer . If a bee stings you, its stinger remains in your skin. Reactions to the sting occur within minutes to an hour at the latest.

3% - 4% of the Swiss population is affected by a wasp venom allergy . Wasps are mainly around fruit and other foodstuffs in late summer and autumn .
Wasps retain their stinger after stinging and can attack and sting again. Reactions occur within a few minutes to an hour.

Possible symptoms are

• Itching
• swelling
• urticaria
• vomiting
• Shortness of breath, respiratory arrest
• palpitations
• drop in blood pressure
• Cardiovascular collapse (anaphylactic shock)

Allergy sufferers should always carry an emergency kit with them. This contains an antihistamine, cortisone and possibly an adrenaline injection. Your doctor will explain to you how to use the various medications.

Desensitization with insect venom is possible. It takes three to five years. In 80% to 85% of affected bee venom allergy sufferers and in 95% of wasp venom allergy sufferers, the therapy leads to complete protection against renewed reactions.

What you can watch out for with bees

• Keep your distance from flowering meadows.
• Do not walk barefoot across meadows.
• Avoid perfumed hairsprays, sun creams and shampoos.
• Wear long clothing and gloves when gardening.
• Close your helmet when riding a motorcycle and cover your whole body with suitable clothing.

What you can watch out for with wasps

• A wasp rarely comes alone.
• Wasps nest on the ground, on forest edges or under sun blinds. If you discover a nest in your vicinity, inform the fire department or the police so that it can be removed.
• Move calmly and slowly in the vicinity of wasps.
• Be careful when having a picnic. Wasps like to help themselves to food lying around and are therefore a danger of getting into your mouth.
• Beer attracts wasps, never drink from bottles or cans. Instead, drink from glasses so that you can see if a wasp is swimming in them.
• Avoid perfumed hairsprays, sun creams and shampoos.
• Close your helmet when riding your motorcycle and cover your whole body with suitable clothing.

aha! Allergy Center Switzerland offers detailed brochures on the subject of insect venom allergies and allergies. Find out more here.