Insect Sting (Venom) Allergies: Protect Yourself with Expert Diagnosis and Treatment
- The London Allergy Clinic
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
Understanding Insect Sting (Venom) Allergies
Summer picnics, garden parties and countryside walks can quickly turn worrying if you’re among the many who react badly to an insect sting. An allergy to insect venom is more than an irritating nuisance — for some, it can be life-threatening. That’s why at The London Allergy Clinic, based in Marylebone and High Barnet, we take insect sting (venom) allergies seriously. For over 40 years, our expert clinicians have helped adults and children identify, manage and treat allergic reactions, so you can enjoy the outdoors with greater confidence.
An allergic reaction to an insect sting is triggered by an immune response to the venom of wasps, hornets, bumblebees or honey bees, for example. While a mild localised reaction — redness, pain or slight swelling — is common and usually harmless, an insect sting (venom) allergy can involve a more severe systemic response that could, in extreme circumstances, put your life at risk.
Symptoms of Insect Sting (Venom) Allergies
Recognising the signs of a venom allergy early is important. It is important to be able to differentiate a normal sting response from an allergic response.
Normal sting response:
- Mild swelling localised to the site of the sting
- Redness and some pain
- Can last for a few hours and should resolve on its own without medical intervention.
Reactions which indicate medical intervention is needed:
- Swelling larger than 10cm around the sting site
- Generalised hives on the body, itching and/or swelling elsewhere on the body.
- Prolonged, redness and swelling which doesn’t go down after a few hours and may worsen with time.
If the above happens, seek prompt medical advice.
Reactions which indicate emergency medical assistance required:
• Low blood pressure, indicated by feeling of dizzy, faint or lightheaded.
• Swelling in the throat or tongue, causing breathing difficulties.
• Wheezing and shortness of breath, or any breathing compromise.
If any of these occur, call for an ambulance immediately (999) and use a self-administered adrenaline injector if prescribed.
Prevention and Sting Avoidance for Insect Sting (Venom) Allergies
Avoiding insect stings altogether is the best defence. Helpful strategies include:
• Skip perfumes, hair sprays and scented lotions which attract insects.
• Wear neutral colours such as white, beige or grey. Bright colours can attract insects.
• Avoid leaving food uncovered outdoors — insects are drawn to food smells.
• Use insect repellents and keep insecticide aerosols as needed.
• If around a wasp or bee, stay calm, stand still and move away slowly.
Finally, in case a sting does occur, remember to always carry prescribed self-administered adrenaline pens and consider a MedicAlert bracelet: MedicAlert.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Insect Sting (Venom) Allergies at The London Allergy Clinic
At The London Allergy Clinic, we use robust diagnostic methods to confirm an insect sting (venom) allergy. This includes a Specific IgE Blood Test, often combined with a detailed clinical history to pinpoint your risk accurately.
For patients confirmed to have a venom allergy, we offer venom immunotherapy (desensitisation). This evidence-based treatment involves a series of controlled injections containing small amounts of the allergen, helping your body build tolerance and desensitise over time.
The standard immunotherapy plan involves weekly injections for six weeks, repeated annually for three years. This commitment significantly reduces the chance of a dangerous reaction and can, for some, prevent allergic responses altogether. As safety is paramount, treatment takes place in a hospital environment under specialist supervision
Our Team of Specialists in Insect Sting (Venom) Allergies
Our team of expert clinicians includes consultants with decades of experience diagnosing and managing insect sting (venom) allergies. They will guide you through testing, prevention advice, and treatment options tailored to your needs.
At Home or In-Clinic Allergy Testing
For a comprehensive view of a patient's allergy sensitisation profile, including a wide variety of insect venom allergies, there is the ALEX2 — an extensive specific IgE panel test that tests for 295 of the most common allergens.
The test is processed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory and is suitable for both adults and children. The test is widely used by allergy specialists for its reliability and breadth.
The ALEX panel screens for 295 allergens, covering:
Food allergens: nuts, wheat, soya, fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish and meat.
Environmental allergens: pollen (associated with hay fever), dust mites and pet allergens.
Moulds: including Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Alternaria.
Insect venoms: bee and wasp stings.
The test can be performed either as a home testing kit, or an in-person blood test.
Contact us for more information on the test
Next Steps
If you think you may have an insect sting (venom) allergy, it is advisable to seek a specialist opinion rather than wait for a severe reaction. Our team at The London Allergy Clinic is available to advise on diagnosis, prevention and treatment, including immunotherapy where appropriate. Contact us to arrange an appointment at either our Marylebone or High Barnet (adult only) clinic.
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