HYMENOPTERA VENOM ALLERGY: DIAGNOSIS, EMERGENCY TREATMENT AND SPECIFIC IMMUNOTHERAPY

Abstract

Hymenoptera venom allergy is most often caused by stings of the honeybee and the wasp. The most frequent clinical patterns are the large local reactions and generalized immediate type allergic reactions such as urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis. The diagnosis of Hymenoptera venom is based on a history, clinical symptoms, positive skin tests and the presence of venomspecific IgE serum antibodies to the respective venom. Venom immunotherapy lasting three to five years is estimated to decrease the risk of venom-related anaphylaxis rate of 75% to less than 5%.