Recommendations for Managing Stinging Insect Reactions

Patients with severe systemic reactions should be referred for testing and immunotherapy.

Sponsoring Organizations: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Target Audience: Primary care providers, emergency department physicians, allergists

Background

Stings by insects of the Hymenoptera order (i.e., hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, honeybees, and fire ants) cause systemic reactions in about 3% of U.S. adults. At least 40 patients die annually in the U.S. from these stings, and they account for 20% of all anaphylaxis-related deaths. In patients with severe systemic reactions, 50% will experience anaphylaxis to future stings; with venom immunotherapy (VIT), this risk is <5%.

Key Points

More than 20% of adults are sensitized to insect venom but are not at substantially elevated …

Reviewing Author

David J. Amrol, MD

Disclosures

Speaker’s BureauAstraZeneca; Incyte