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If you have developed a severe reaction to a bee sting or fire ant bite, it’s time to consider the benefits of insect venom therapy, as these reactions can be life-threatening. At Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, our experienced allergy specialists offer in-office testing to identify which insects trigger an allergic reaction. They personalize an insect venom immunotherapy plan to reduce your body’s reaction to the sting or bite of bees, fire ants, wasps, and hornets. Call the nearest office in Carrollwood, South Tampa, or Brandon, Florida, today to schedule a consultation for insect venom immunotherapy, or book an appointment online.
Insect Venom Immunotherapy Q&A
What is insect venom immunotherapy?
Insect venom immunotherapy is a treatment for people who experience moderate to severe allergic reactions to insect bites and stings.
Immunotherapy aims to desensitize your immune system to the venom the insects inject into your body during a bite or sting. Immunotherapy prevents your immune system from producing antibodies that cause physical symptoms like hives, itchy skin, and pain.
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates offer insect venom immunotherapy to adults and children who have allergies to venom from bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants, and other stinging and biting insects.
When should I consider insect venom immunotherapy?
You might be a candidate for the insect venom immunotherapy available at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates if you had a generalized reaction to insect venom.
The team offers blood and skin tests to identify which insects trigger an allergic reaction. They also complete a physical exam and review your medical history to ensure that immunotherapy is the best treatment for you.
Insect venom immunotherapy requires a series of shots over months or years, so you must be able to commit to routine office visits for ongoing therapy.
What happens during insect venom immunotherapy?
During your initial insect venom immunotherapy, your Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates provider injects tiny amounts of saline-diluted insect venom under the surface of your skin. The injection is fast and causes minimal discomfort.
Expect to stay in the office briefly so the team can monitor your health and check for signs of a severe allergic reaction. The team can treat you if you experience sudden throat swelling or other signs of a severe reaction.
If you don’t react significantly, you can return to your routine. It’s common to experience mild redness or swelling at the injection site that goes away within a few days.
The team determines how often you need immunotherapy shots. Typically, you need one shot a week for a few months to give your body time to adapt to treatment. After that, you might need one shot a month for 3-5 years, or sometimes longer, depending on the severity of symptoms and the type of offending insect.
Call the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates office near you today to find out if insect venom immunotherapy is right for you, or book an appointment online.