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Insect sting-induced anaphylaxis in the UK is m
 ainly due to bee and wasp stings. In the USA, Asia and Australia it may also be caused by fire ant stings. The severity of the allergic reaction may be varied: mild with local swelling, moderate with generalised urticaria, or severe with systemic symptoms accompanied by wheezing or shock. Dr Du Toit tests for this allergy using specific IgE blood tests and if indicated, desensitisation using immunotherapy will be offered.
 Children with a previous mild or moderate reaction are unlikely to develop a severe reaction in future. Those who react severely should carry an epinephrine auto-injector and be desensitised through specific immunotherapy.For sting rates in the UK see - http://www.waspwatch.co.uk/2009.shtml
An informative site is http://www.insectstings.co.uk/
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Insect Sting/Venom Allergy |