Some people develop allergies after bees or wasps sting them. That is because insects inject venom into your system when they sting you. The toxin causes you to develop symptoms such as redness, pain, swelling, and hives. If you do not address your allergy immediately, you may develop a fatal symptom called anaphylaxis. Thankfully, you can minimize allergic reactions by reaching out to a duluth stinging insect allergy doctor.
One way they do that is through immunotherapy. This preventive treatment involves doctors administering a series of jabs to reduce allergies. Here are some things you should know about it below.
How They Administer It
Doctors introduce a small amount of insect venom into a saline solution. The idea behind introducing the venom is for your body to recognize the allergen in case an insect stings you. As a result, your immune system will be able to fight off venom from future stings.
Your doctor will administer the jab 1-2 times a week. Within 4-6 months of receiving the weekly dose, you will receive an optimal allergen amount in the shot. The following year, you will receive the doses every 6-8 weeks.
People Who Should Consider Immunotherapy
To some extent, nearly everyone develops reactions to insect bites or stings. Typically, you will receive swellings which soon disappear. In such a case, you do not need it.
Those who need to consider the treatment are those prone to anaphylaxis. This symptom causes low blood pressure, dizziness, and breathing difficulties. As earlier stated, it is fatal. It is, therefore, up to the person to go for their shots without fail. If you choose not to go for the jabs, you must do what you can to avoid being near stinging insects.
Possible Risks of Immunotherapy
Sometimes a patient may develop anaphylaxis after getting injected. Fortunately, such a case is rare. When doctors administer the jabs, they will ask you to remain in the hospital for monitoring. In case you develop reactions, they will be able to help you out immediately.
The thing guaranteed to happen is experiencing swells, redness, and warmth on the injection site. These reactions may occur immediately or after some hours. Once again, staying longer will help doctors control them.
Ways of Minimizing Its Side Effects
Some people develop side effects due to being under medication. If you use eye drops or take blood pressure medicines, it would be best to inform your doctor.
Also, it would help if you told your doctor of your symptoms as soon as they occur. They include itchiness around the throat, chest, and eyes.
Its Effectiveness Levels
People resort to jabs when they do not want to take allergy medicines. What you may be wondering is whether immunotherapy can do that for you. Luckily, the procedure will make you take less of your medicine or none at all. Its success rate is 85%, which is considerably higher than most vaccines.
Another great thing about immunotherapy is that it reduces allergic reactions to pollens, dust mites, and mold. If you have any of the three allergies, you now know what to do.
It is not enough to consider immunotherapy to avoid allergic reactions. You can still get them after insects sting you. Instead, you should protect yourself by wearing shoes when outdoors. Another tip you can apply is minimizing the use of strong soaps, deodorants, and shampoos. These products will attract insects to you.
Despite applying the tips, insects may still somehow come to you. If that happens, avoid panicking by aimlessly throwing your arms. Insects will perceive your aggression as an attack and sting you. Instead, remain calm and slowly retreat from them.
