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Debunking myths about stinging insects

There are a good number of common myths related to stinging insects. Given how serious this allergy can be for some kids, it is important to separate facts from fiction.

Insects like bees and wasps are a nuisance and may cause painful stings, but reactions are not life threatening for most people. For some children, insect stings can be much more serious. Severe allergic reactions due to venom from insect stings affect about 1 out of every 100 children in the United States. Late summer and autumn are the times of year when allergists worry the most about children being stung, since food sources for wasps become scarcer. Competition for food leads insects to become even more aggressive than normal.

There are a good number of common myths related to stinging insects. Given how serious this allergy can be for some kids, it is important to separate facts from fiction.

Myth: Every time a child gets stung by an insect, the reaction will get worse.

Fact: Thankfully, subsequent sting reactions tend to be very similar to or less severe than the initial reaction.

Myth: Swelling of the skin is always due to an allergy.

Fact: Insect venom is very irritating and will cause the skin and tissues to turn red and swell to some extent in most people.

Myth: People with large areas of swelling following an insect sting need to carry epinephrine autoinjectors.

Fact: Even a very large area of skin swelling after a sting does not increase someone's risk for a life-threatening reaction in the future. Children with this type of localized swelling and no other symptoms do not need testing or epinephrine injector devices.

Myth: Insects will only sting if the nest is threatened.

Fact: This is only true for honey bees and bumble bees. Wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets, on the other hand, will sting for no apparent reason. Because these insects are scavengers, sometimes using human food to feed their young, it is common for them to come into contact with people outdoors when food is present. This includes activities like picnics, sporting events, and BBQs.

Myth: If a child has a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting, they only need epinephrine autoinjectors for treatment.

Fact: If a child has anaphylaxis after a sting, it is true that at least two epinephrine autoinjectors must be available for the child at all times. In addition, the child needs urgent evaluation by an allergy specialist for testing and possible treatment. Anaphylaxis due to insect stings can be particularly life-threatening. For that reason, allergy shots, also called immunotherapy injections, are needed in order to protect the child from having similar severe reactions in the future. Immunotherapy injections for stinging insect allergy work extremely well to protect against anaphylaxis if a sting happens again. A child with this allergy should wear a medical alert bracelet. It is also important to practice avoidance measures to decrease the chance of accidental exposure to stinging insects.

Next week, I'll discuss tips to avoid stinging insects when spending time outdoors, and what do to in the case of a small and larger reaction.

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