Insect Venom Immunotherapy
Insect Venom Immunotherapy Services Offered in Riverview, FL
More than 10 million people in the United States have an allergy to insect stings. At Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care in Riverview, Florida, Rajivi Rucker, MD, MPH, and Craig Kalik, MD, offer insect venom immunotherapy to manage dangerous symptoms caused by stinging insects. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or requesting an evaluation online today.
Insect Venom Immunotherapy FAQ's
What is insect venom immunotherapy?
Insect venom immunotherapy at Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care is a treatment administered by allergists that gradually exposes you to increasing amounts of insect venom.
The treatment helps reduce the severity of future stings by decreasing your body’s sensitivity to insect venom. It can reduce your risk of serious and life-threatening allergic reactions.
What are the symptoms of an insect allergy?
Symptoms of an insect allergy may include:
- Flushing
- Redness
- Pain
- Itching
- Swelling
- Cough
- Hives
- Anaphylaxis (severe symptoms)
Anaphylaxis can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, loss of consciousness, or even death when left untreated.
Am I a candidate for insect venom immunotherapy?
To learn if insect venom immunotherapy is right for you, the experts at Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care review your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.
They complete a physical exam and may order blood tests. Skin testing helps identify venom allergies based on reactions to your skin after being exposed to a tiny amount of insect venom.
What can I expect during insect venom immunotherapy?
Your individualized insect venom immunotherapy treatment may consist of:
Allergy shots
Allergy shots for insect stings are injections containing small doses of allergens that trigger a reaction. You’ll receive the shots at regular intervals to decrease your body’s sensitivity to insect stings. Your provider might gradually increase the dose you receive over time.
Allergy drops
Sublingual (under the tongue) immunotherapy treatment for insect stings is an alternative to allergy shots. You’ll place liquid drops containing a tiny amount of an allergen under your tongue. This exposes you to increasing amounts of the allergen to improve your body’s reaction to stings.
The goal of treatment is to lower the risk of severe allergic reactions after an insect sting to help prevent serious medical complications.
Carrying an epinephrine injection (EpiPen®) with you in case of a medical emergency can be life-saving.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications can also help manage milder insect allergy symptoms.
Follow up with the Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care team regularly to complete insect venom immunotherapy and manage any co-existing allergies you may have. Examples include seasonal, medication, latex, or food allergies. Call the office anytime with questions.
Schedule an insect venom immunotherapy evaluation at Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care by calling the office or using the online booking tab today.
