Resources for Medical Providers
Too often, patients receive little to no direction after an allergic reaction—not even a referral to an allergist. But with the right bee sting allergy resources for medical providers, that can change!
Hymenoptera venom allergy is one of the most common causes of anaphylaxis in adults. In fact, roughly 7% of the United States population is at risk for a severe reaction with their next bee or wasp sting.4 However, many people overlook the signs of their own allergies. It’s important that medical providers share quality information about prevention, assessment, and treatment.
BeeAware Allergy stands as a partner in equipping medical providers of all backgrounds with the tools and research necessary to provide bee sting allergy patients with the care they need.
Sharing key information with the public
Has it been a while since you reviewed information on bee and wasp stings? Let us give you a refresher! We are constantly working to educate the public on prevention, symptoms, treatment, and testing.
Key Statistics on Bee Sting Allergies in the United States
First, here are three key statistics we love to share. Together, they provide a snapshot of the effect of bee sting allergies in the United States. Through education and preventative treatment options, we believe the number of ER visits and deaths from bees and wasps can be reduced.
16M
Americans Are
living with a potentially life-threatening bee sting allergy.1
220K
ER Visits
occur each year for bee sting allergy-related anaphylaxis.2
60
Deaths Per Year
are directly related to severe bee sting reactions.2
Key Messages for Patients Regarding Bee Stings
Next, take a peek at our most-read articles. These are the questions potential patients are asking and the information they found useful.
Hopefully, it’s insightful to you as well!
Bee Sting: Swelling Days Later
If you experience a bee sting swelling days later, you aren’t alone. Discover why this can happen and what symptoms to watch for.
Natural Wasp Deterrent 7 DIY Solutions
Create your own natural wasp deterrent and keep your backyard safer the non-toxic way! These 7 DIY solutions are easy to use.
How to Treat a Bee Sting
Stung by a bee? Don’t worry! Learn how to treat a bee sting in five steps. Plus, discover a few symptoms you should definitely watch out for.
What is Venom Immunotherapy
Venom immunotherapy is a highly effective treatment for bee sting allergies. Learn why and how it works in this brief article.
Treatment Options for Bee sting allergies
Severe bee sting allergies have two types of treatment options: reactive and preventative. As a medical professional, you play a key role in educating patients about their treatment choices.
Epinephrine Pens as a Reactive Treatment Option
When a hymenoptera venom allergy patient is prescribed an epinephrine pen, they are provided a life raft in case of a dire emergency. It is incredibly important that patients learn best practices for epinephrine pens, like the ideal temperature for storage and how to travel with a prescription. Additionally, carrying both pens ensures that, in case of a sting, two can be employed if necessary.
Statistics on Epinephrine Usage
Epinephrine auto-injectors can be incredibly effective at halting an anaphylactic reaction. However, patients routinely struggle to carry and correctly utilize these devices.
- 70% of allergy patients fail to carry their epinephrine consistently.7
- More than 55% of insect sting patients fail to adequately demonstrate epinephrine pen administration.7
Bee sting allergies can also create a large amount of stress for patients. Trekking too far outdoors can be anxiety-inducing, especially when their safety may rely solely on their ability to properly use an epinephrine pen in an emergency
Venom Immunotherapy as A Preventative Treatment Option
Venom immunotherapy is a treatment administered by allergists and some ENTs. It involves injecting small amounts of venom and increasing the dose strategically over time to develop immunity. Once the maintenance dose is reached, a patient can expect the treatment to be 98% effective at preventing a severe, bee-sting allergic reaction.3 Venom shots should then be received roughly once per month for 3 to 5 years. Based on the severity of the allergy, some patients can then stop treatment, yet remain protected.
Benefits of pursuing venom immunotherapy:
- Preventing systemic allergic reactions before they start
- Reduce risk for children experiencing allergic reactions into adulthood
- Peace of mind for patients and parents of children with bee sting allergies
- An additional, preventative line of defense before use of epinephrine and antihistamine
Hear Why Doctors Are Promoting Venom Immunotherapy
Research for Your Review
Insect Sting Anaphlyaxis
David B.K. Golden, M.D.
Stinging Insect Allergy: Current Perspectives on Venom Immunotherapy
Sian W. Ludman and Robert J. Boyle
Insect Sting-inflicted Systemic Reactions: Attitudes of Patients with Insect Venom Allergy Regarding After-sting Behavior and Proper Administration of Epinephrine
Arnon Goldberg, MD; Ronit Confino-Cohen, MD
How to Help Your Patients
The most important part of knowing about bee sting allergies is sharing the information with patients. So, we created easy-to-use resources to help you spread the word! Of course, you may always direct people to the BeeAware Allergy website and social media accounts for quality information. But here are a few ways you can become more involved in raising awareness.
Patient Education Materials
We offer a selection of educational materials that are useful for a variety of patient needs. You can save digital versions of these files, download a high-quality, ready-for-print PDF version, or even request free prints. All you need to do is fill out the form we provide. We will take care of shipping the requested patient education materials to your clinic. Order your brochures, posters, and tear-off pads today!
