Mild Reactions

Mild reactions are the most common response to stinging insect bites, such as bee, wasp, or hornet stings. These reactions typically involve localized pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the sting. These symptoms generally resolve within a few hours to a couple of days and don't pose a significant health risk.

• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, redness, and itching around the sting site.
• Duration: Symptoms usually subside within a few hours to a couple of days.
• Treatment: Over-the-counter pain relievers, antihistamines, and ice packs can help reduce symptoms.

Large Local Reactions

Large local reactions (LLR) are more intense than mild reactions and may cause significant swelling and redness around the sting site. These reactions are generally not life-threatening but can be more uncomfortable. They often involve swelling that extends beyond the immediate area of the sting and may affect the entire limb or multiple areas of the body.

• Symptoms: Swelling and redness that extend beyond the sting site, possibly affecting a larger area (e.g., an entire arm or leg).
• Duration: Can last up to a few days, but symptoms usually resolve without any complications.
• Treatment: Cold compresses, antihistamines, and corticosteroid creams can help manage swelling and discomfort. While often mistaken for an infection, they do not require treatment with antibiotics.
• Note: While these reactions are not an indication for venom immunotherapy (unless they occur frequently and are bothersome), it is important to monitor the frequency and intensity of reactions.

Severe Reactions

Severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. These reactions can occur after a sting from a bee, wasp, or other stinging insect, and they involve a widespread immune response. Anaphylaxis can affect the whole body, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, a rapid or weak pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

• Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, throat, or face, hives, dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness.
• Treatment: An emergency injection of epinephrine (e.g., an EpiPen) is required immediately. After administering epinephrine, seeking immediate medical help is essential.
• Note: If you have experienced a severe reaction, we can help to determine if venom immunotherapy (allergy shots) is appropriate for you. Immunotherapy can significantly reduce the risk of future severe reactions.

When Is Venom Immunotherapy Needed?

Venom immunotherapy (also known as allergy shots) is a long-term treatment option for individuals who experience severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to stinging insect stings. It is also considered for those who experience frequent and bothersome large local reactions that interfere with daily life.

• Indications for Immunotherapy: Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) or large local reactions that occur frequently and are bothersome.
• Effectiveness: Venom immunotherapy is highly effective, with a success rate of 97% in preventing severe reactions in people who are allergic to stinging insects.
• Duration: Treatment typically lasts for 3-5 years, with periodic injections to help the body build tolerance to the venom over time. Some patients may require lifelong treatment.
• Safety: Venom immunotherapy is safe for most individuals, but it should be administered under medical supervision, especially in the early stages of treatment.