Hymenoptera sensitivity: diagnosis and treatment

Hymenoptera anaphylaxis is responsible for 50 deaths annually. This may be an underestimation because not all anaphylactic episodes are recognized or reported. Unexplained deaths at the poolside or on golf courses, as well as those attributed to cardiac causes, may be caused by unrecognized anaphylaxis. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is highly effective in reducing an individual's risk of anaphylaxis. This review will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of hymenoptera sensitivity, patient selection for IT, standard VIT, and modified allergens.