Insect sting allergy

Abstract

In sensitive individuals Hymenoptera stings cause systemic allergic reactions, which are mostly mediated by specific IgE antibodies. The symptoms developed after an insect sting might be rather mild like urticaria and angioedema or severe including asthma and anaphylactic shock. Permanent damage due to cerebral or myocardial infarction might also result from anaphylactic shock. Numerous fatalities alter insect stings occur each year in most European countries. Proper procedures including diagnosis, education of the patients and physicians, carrying of emergency kits for self medication and specific immunotherapy might improve the life quality of the patients and also reduce the number of deaths. Current recommendations regarding these issues are presented in this article.