Venom Immunotherapy Q & A
What are the symptoms of insect allergies?
Insect stings and bug bites are some of the most serious types of allergies because bugs are everywhere in your environment and it can be difficult to avoid them. If you’re allergic, you may experience:
- Severe widespread swelling, especially in your face and lips
- Hives, itching, or rashes, even in areas away from the sting
- Breathing difficulties or wheezing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
In severe reactions to insect stings, you could even lose consciousness, which is a sign of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
How does venom immunotherapy work?
Venom involves getting a series of injections that are designed to help your body gradually get used to a particular venom. Your venom immunotherapy treatment plan is entirely tailored to your needs and progresses based on how well you respond to therapy.
During each visit, your allergist injects a small amount of fluid containing insect venom from the exact stinging insect to which you’re allergic, be it fire ants, honey bees, wasps, yellow jackets or hornets. Initially, you need 1-2 shots per week for about 3-6 months to reach a maintenance stage. An alternate, accelerated build-up protocol called cluster is also an option to receive the beneficial immune protection more quickly.
Once you are at the maintenance stage, it can take 1-2 venom treatments monthly over a course of 3-5 years to have optimal results. Over time, your immune system gradually changes and becomes much less likely to react to the stinging insect.
Is venom immunotherapy right for me?
While venom immunotherapy is one of the best ways to resolve serious issues with insect stings, this type of therapy isn’t for everyone. When you get your allergy shots, the team at Allergy Testing Center will monitor you closely for an extended period of time to ensure you don’t have a serious reaction. If you do have a reaction, they will treat you quickly.
To learn more about venom immunotherapy, book an appointment with Allergy Testing Center online or call one of their convenient locations.