Bee Sting Allergy Awareness Day

An allergic reaction is a bodily response to a foreign substance. In most cases, this reaction is comprised of minor or moderate symptoms. Examples of these inconvenient symptoms are itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose, or a rash. 

Sometimes, a bee sting results in a serious and even deadly reaction. In the medical community, this type of severe reaction is called anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic symptoms include:

• Trouble breathing
• Hives or swelling
• Tightness of the throat
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart beat
• Cardiac arrest

Your immune system makes proteins called “antibodies” to fight off bad viruses. There are two types of antibodies involved in bee sting allergic reactions: IgE and IgG. 

IgE antibodies recognize foreign substances, like bee venom, as an attack. When a large amount of venom is introduced to the body, these IgE antibodies may get out of control. This results in a severe reaction.
IgG antibodies respond differently to foreign substances. Instead of attacking, they bind to foreign venom proteins. Then, the antibodies tell the immune system to not respond. Research shows allergy shots stimulate the immune system to make these protective IgG antibodies.

The only way to know if you have a bee sting allergy is to speak with a local allergist. You should do this if you:

• suspect you have an allergy
• have experienced severe symptoms after a sting
• have experienced symptoms throughout your whole body after a sting
• have any concerns and or questions that a medical professional can answer

Your allergist may recommend testing, a safe way to confirm your allergy and make treatment suggestions.

There are two common options for treating bee sting allergies: reactive and proactive.

Reactive: Most often, bee sting allergy patients are prescribed an epinephrine pen. In an emergency, this tool injects epinephrine into the bloodstream to reverse life-threatening allergic reactions. It can help stop the airway swelling and increase low blood pressure. One epinephrine pen may not be enough to stop anaphylaxis, though. Two pens should be carried at all times and immediate medical attention is required after use.

Proactive: Venom immunotherapy is a preventative treatment option for bee sting allergies. Over time, immunity is acquired through allergy shots. Ultimately, venom immunotherapy is 98% effective in preventing systemic allergic reactions to insect stings.³ Once you’re protected, you have an excellent chance of preventing a life-threatening emergency before it happens.