Stinging Insect Allergy

Helpful Tips from the Allergy Partners Team

If you’re an Allergy Partners patient and find yourself dealing with fire ant allergies, you’re not alone. Although they may seem small and innocuous, these little critters can cause big problems when it comes to your health. To help you manage the uncomfortable symptoms that come along with this type of allergy, the Allergy Partners team has put together some key tips and strategies. Here’s what to know about fire ant allergies so that you can take control and stay healthy this season.

A Little Background on Fire Ants

Every year, over half a million people experience severe reactions to insect stings and bites – with 0.5% of cases resulting in fatalities nationwide. Particularly concerning is the presence of fire ants across 14 states from California to Florida – an unwelcome immigrant that arrived on produce shipped through Mobile, AL. Approximately 40 deaths are attributed annually as a result of these contaminants in our environment, showing us how essential it is we remain vigilant against potential health risks!

The US is home to two species of the fire ant: the red and black varieties. However, it’s the aggressive red imported fire ant that reigns supreme; its stinging bite can even trigger severe allergic reactions! Thankfully, more benign ants like carpenter or sugar ants don’t cause such a stir — they simply go about their business with no sting attached.

What Are the Chances of Getting Bit by a Fire Ant?

In areas where fire ant stings are frequent, the risk of being bitten each year is alarmingly high – up to 60%. Normally a small and itchy lump forms within 8-24 hours after the sting. To prevent infection, refrain from breaking or popping any pustules that form. Cleanliness helps alleviate discomfort along with an oral antihistamine for itching/swelling relief; in some cases, redness may persist, requiring either topical steroids or a short-term course of oral steroid therapy.

For some, the sting of a fire ant can lead to unfortunate and severe systemic allergic reactions. Symptoms range from welts over the body and swelling in various areas to abdominal pain, chest tightness or difficulty breathing, hoarseness, faintness – even “blacking out”! Immediate medical attention is crucial for these symptoms, followed by an Allergist’s evaluation due to there being a 60% likelihood of similar reactions occurring again with reoccurring stings. It is not something you want to be associated with your outdoor adventures!

How to Minimize Fire Ant Bites

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are the best way to ensure long-term protection against severe reactions to insect stings. With immunotherapy, your risk of getting a serious reaction is less than 5%. In addition to ‘allergy shots’, injectable epinephrine can be lifesaving and should always be on hand for emergencies! Other helpful measures include:

• Avoid walking barefoot or wearing open-faced sandals
• Treat your lawn to decrease ant mounds
• Wear gloves and protective clothing when gardening
• Keep an antihistamine or injectable epinephrine with you at all times
• See an allergist if you are prone to severe allergic reactions to fire ants

Contact Your Local Allergy Partners Team

Living with a stinging insect allergy can be difficult, which is why it’s so important to consult a medical professional who can properly diagnose and treat your specific allergy. Allergy Partners can provide you with extensive testing for a wide range of allergies, coupled with an individualized treatment plan designed to reduce the severity and impact of symptoms. With our expertise and guidance, soon you will be breathing easier and playing in the garden without fear again!

Contact Allergy Partners today to learn more about our allergy testing services or for any other questions or concerns you may have.

It’s summer which means picnics and fun in the sun. This is also the time of year to be more mindful of stinging insects, like bees, wasps and ants.

Insect stings may cause pain, itching, redness and swelling at the site of the sting. In some people, insect stings can cause anaphylaxis and be life-threating. Symptoms may include two or more of the following: itching and hives, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea or diarrhea. In severe cases, a rapid fall in blood pressure may result in shock and loss of consciousness.

If you have a serious reaction to an insect sting, seek emergency medical care. After treatment, make an appointment with an Allergy Partners allergist to discuss stinging insect testing and treatment options.

Bees and wasps are not inherently aggressive and usually only sting in defense of their nest. Follow these tips to help prevent insect stings:

• If stinging insects are nearby, stay calm and move slowly away.
• Nests around your home should be removed by a trained professional.
• Individuals with stinging insect allergy should avoid activities that may disturb a colony, such as mowing the lawn or pruning a hedge.
• Be careful when cooking or eating outdoors.
• Beware of insects inside canned drinks or straws.
• Keep food covered until eaten.
• Wear close-toed shoes outdoors. Avoid going barefoot.
• If large numbers of insects begin flying around you or you are being stung, cover your mouth and nose and run from the area and seek shelter in a building or enclosed vehicle. Stinging insects tend to target the facial area, which can quickly produce panic and disorientation in the victim.
• There is no empiric evidence that wearing brightly colored clothing or perfume attracts stinging insects.
• Attacking bees and wasps are strongly attracted to dark colors, so white or light-colored clothing that covers most of the body should confer some advantage.
• There are no effective repellent products.

By Dr. Kelli Rose

Allergy Partners of the California Central Coast

Understanding These Tiny Home Invaders

If you’re one of the millions of Allergy Partners patients who are experiencing seasonal allergies due to Multi-Colored Asian Lady Beetles, don’t worry! We’re here to help you understand more about this type of allergy, its symptoms, and what tools you can use to manage it. With a few simple solutions and an understanding of the underlying causes, our expert tips will guide you in finding relief from these pesky bugs. Let’s get started together on combatting those annoying Multi-Colored Asian Lady Beetle allergies!

What Are These Beetles?

Since the early 20th century, Multi-Colored Asian Lady Beetles have infiltrated many parts of the United States. Not only are they present in places like the Upper Mid-West and East Coast, but their tenacity has even allowed them to outcompete native species for resources and habitat. In some regions, this exotic insect has become a force that cannot be ignored.

Come colder weather, Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles (MALB) are on the hunt for warm homes with light-colored walls and a south or southwest-facing side. As they swarm in to keep cozy, these invasive insects can appear by the hundreds and even up to the thousands. Not only does their presence create an annoying buzz, but when startled, MALBs release a stinky fluid from their leg joints. Moreover, you’ll also have some dead bugs left to clean after surviving members leave, so guard those doors closely!

Types of Allergic Reactions

Studies suggest that exposure to MALB may result in a variety of allergic reactions. By examining allergens extracted from crushed beetles and identifying antibodies, scientists found a strong connection between Ladybug allergen-specific IgE antibodies and German cockroach allergen-specific IgE, indicating potential sensitization or allergy development through inhalation, contact with the insects themselves or even being bitten by them.

Fall and winter can be difficult for those allergic to MALB, as the seasonal allergens usually associated with that time of year actually originate indoors! It’s important to work closely with your allergist in order to better understand exactly what could cause a reaction. Unfortunately, no commercial extract is currently available for skin testing; however, there is a blood test should you wish to use it. With knowledge on hand and accurate diagnostics, managing an indoor allergen allergy becomes much more manageable, even during the fall and winter months.

Allergy Partners Has the Answers

Managing MALB allergy requires a proactive approach. For the best results, consult with your local Allergy Partners team and consider enlisting the help of an experienced contractor to seal entry points in your home as well as engaging professional removal services for any existing insects. By taking these measures now, you can reduce discomfort from allergic reactions down the line.

The first step to finding relief from allergies is to schedule an appointment with Allergy Partners to understand what is causing your symptoms. Find a location today!