Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
07:22
Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
Issues in stinging insect allergy immunotherapy: a review
1St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University School of Medicine, New York City, New York 10022, USA. drfinegold@aol.com
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|July 4, 2008
Summary
Insect sting allergy treatment via immunotherapy has evolving guidelines. Recent research clarifies venom immunotherapy protocols, including medication use and discontinuation, offering better management for Hymenoptera-sensitive patients.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Therapeutics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Insect allergy treatment via desensitization presents ongoing questions.
- Recent advancements address immunotherapy protocols and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature (past 2 years) on unanswered questions in insect allergy desensitization.
- To summarize key findings and evolving practices in venom immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on articles published within the last two years.
- Analysis of studies addressing specific aspects of venom immunotherapy, including premedication and concomitant medications.
Main Results:
- Venom immunotherapy may differ from inhalant immunotherapy regarding premedication and therapy intervals.
- Concomitant medications like beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors require specific considerations.
- Omalizumab pretreatment is relevant for systemic mastocytosis and severe reactions.
- Discontinuation criteria for immunotherapy remain individualized.
Conclusions:
- Updated immunotherapy guidelines provide essential information for treating Hymenoptera-sensitive individuals.
- Current research supports refined approaches to venom immunotherapy, enhancing patient care.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:30Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions
Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...