Personal stories about immunotherapy for insect stings
These stories are based on information gathered from health
professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health
decisions.
Rudy, age 26: I have had previous systemic
reactions to insect stings, although none were life-threatening. I work in the
landscaping and grounds maintenance industry, so I am outdoors almost every day
mowing lawns, trimming hedges, tending flowerbeds, and similar activities that
really put me at risk of getting stung. I carry an allergy kit to my work
sites, but I wanted to do something to reduce my sensitivity to stings and cut
the risk that I might have a really bad reaction. So I've decided to have
immunotherapy.
Max, age 57: I have what must be a mild
allergy to bee stings. I've been stung three or four times over the past
decade, and I always swell up quite a bit—my whole arm or leg or wherever the
sting is—and break out in hives around the sting, too. But it never gets any
worse than that. For me, allergy shots would just be too much bother and
expense for something that only happens once in a great while, and my doctor
tells me it's not really necessary. My doctor and I make sure I have an
up-to-date allergy kit just in case, but I've never had to use it.
Maureen, age 37: Our daughter was 14 years old
when she had a pretty severe reaction to a yellow jacket sting. She had
swelling over most of her body and a bad outbreak of hives. She was very
frightened. After talking it over with our doctor and an allergist, we decided
to have her take allergy shots. They told us her risk of having another similar
reaction was fairly high, and we felt it was worth the cost and the bother of
having the allergy shots to reduce the risk. We also make sure she keeps her
allergy kit close by.
Kimberly, age 24: Our 7-year-old boy was stung
on the shoulder by a hornet at a family picnic. He was uncomfortable with a
patch of hives across his back, but he got over it without anything worse.
After talking things over with our pediatrician, we decided allergy shots
wouldn't be needed: The chances he'll have another reaction like that are
pretty low. But we do keep an allergy kit at home and with the nurse at
school.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here.
