Venom testing is available at St. Francis Sleep, Allergy & Lung Institute, which is near Clearwater, New Port Richey, and other FL communities, to check patients for allergies to the venom of stinging insects such as honey bees, bumble bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and fire ants. Most people develop swelling, itching, and redness at the site of a sting, but an individual can be allergic to insect venom, which can cause his or her immune system to overreact and release antibodies. It’s important to diagnose such allergies through venom testing because serious symptoms can develop, including hives, swelling in the throat, breathing difficulties, dizziness, and nausea. In severe cases, a rapid fall in blood pressure can result in shock and loss of consciousness, or anaphylaxis can occur, which is a medical emergency that is potentially fatal.
Venom testing is particularly important to residents of Clearwater, Florida, because stinging insects are present year round. The process can be accomplished through scratch testing and/or intradermal testing:
- Scratch testing – The skin of the arm is pricked, and then a tiny amount of venom is lightly applied with a plastic applicator. A venom sensitivity is indicated by the appearance of an itchy red hive within 15 to 20 minutes after exposure.
- Intradermal testing – A very small amount of the allergen is injected under the skin on the arm or back. This type of venom testing can be used when a strongly suspected allergen fails to trigger a reaction in a skin prick test.
If an allergy is diagnosed through venom testing, there are treatment options available. In many cases, venom immunotherapy, which involves a series of allergy shots to gradually desensitize a patient to insect sting reactions, is very effective. With a conclusive diagnosis, proper treatment, and careful avoidance, an individual with an insect venom allergy can enjoy being outdoors with much more confidence and peace of mind.
Contact St. Francis Sleep, Allergy & Lung Institute today to learn more about venom testing and allergy and asthma treatment for patients in Clearwater, New Port Richey, and the surrounding FL communities.