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Learn more about Stinging Insect Allergy

Bees, wasps, and hornets are a less-than-fun part of Texas summers. No one wants to be stung by a bee or other insect, but people who are allergic need to be especially cautious around them. Fortunately, seeing an allergist can help you manage your allergy to minimize potentially life-threatening reactions.

WHAT ARE STINGING INSECT ALLERGIES?

Bees, wasps, and hornets make up the majority of stinging insect allergies in the United States. Fire ants, centipedes, and other insects can cause similar reactions. Although minor pain and swelling are normal responses to a bee or other insect sting and do not necessarily indicate an allergic reaction, some signs that you may be allergic to watch for include:

Severe pain, redness, or swelling
Itching or hives
Flushed skin
Anaphylaxis

STINGING INSECT ALLERGY DIAGNOSIS

Be sure to see a doctor immediately if you experience anaphylaxis or other severe symptoms. Less severe signs of a possible allergic reaction should also be evaluated by an allergist, as some reactions may be more severe in the future than they were the first time. Allergy tests, such as percutaneous or intradermal skin tests, can confirm your allergy and give an estimate of how severe it is. Your allergist will use your test results to provide treatment options and steps to take right away if you are stung again.

RISK FACTORS FOR STINGING INSECT ALLERGIES

Like many allergies, stinging insect allergies can be genetic. Although children of people who are allergic to bees and other insects will not necessarily develop an allergy, they may be more susceptible.

If you suspect that you may be allergic to bees or other stinging insects and live in the Waco, Texas area, consider visiting AllergyWaco to be tested and learn about the best treatment options for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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Skin Care: part two

Last time, we discussed the importance of eliminating the likely triggers to flare you and your little’s skin and the most crucial step to treating your sensitive skin. So, it’s time for a pop quiz! What ARE those 2 biggest triggers to flare sensitive skin? And what is the first step to treating your sensitive skin? (Don’t worry, answers will be below!)

Skin Care: part one

As promised, I wanted to take a few moments to address something we see in the Allergy clinic on a daily basis — sensitive skin. Almost all our patients, especially those who also have asthma and allergies, have some degree of sensitive skin. The severity of each patient’s skin sensitivity varies, and many of our patients struggle with the most severe form of sensitive skin — eczema.

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The most clinically relevant indoor allergens are cat, dog, and dust mites. For purposes of this post, I’m going to group cat and dog together and then provide 3 highlights for each one.

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Even as the prevalence of food allergy is increasing (up to 8% of kids in the US have a food allergy), it seems that the myths surrounding food allergy are also increasing. One of the things I love about my job as an allergy fellow is helping patients and their families work through these myths and establish true allergy versus intolerance.

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Check out Dr. Gharfeh's segment with KCEN earlier this week on the importance of spreading food allergy awareness this Halloween.

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Many children are excited because the school year is about to start up again and these next few weeks will be their best days of summer. With the free time coming to a close, families are eager to spend time outside, away from computers and other electronics. But for anyone dealing with seasonal environmental allergies, being outdoors can lead to sneezing, asthma attacks, and even rashes.

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Being uncomfortable is never a good feeling, regardless of what it's caused by. When you feel that type of unease, your body may feel tired or itchy, or a million other ways. If it's caused by allergies or intolerances, it's something you can pinpoint and avoid as needed. Additionally and fortunately, those uncomfortable feelings are acting as little alerts to let you know that something isn't right.

Ready to go home healthier and happier?

Our experienced and caring staff will work with you to determine the best course of action to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. In addition, we offer a variety of services to meet your individual needs, including allergy testing, immunotherapy, and education about allergen avoidance.

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