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Follow-up of hymenoptera-sensitive patients without active immunotherapy
S D Miller1, K H Munemasa, D Ber
1Division of Allergy/Immunology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence.
Allergy Proceedings : the Official Journal of Regional and State Allergy Societies
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Adults with mild insect sting reactions, like skin rashes or breathing issues, often develop natural tolerance. Repeat stings typically do not worsen symptoms, indicating insect allergies may self-resolve without immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Generalized insect sting reactions in adults lack definitive treatment guidelines.
- Previous research suggests insect sting anaphylaxis may be self-limiting over time.
- Adults with skin or respiratory reactions often do not receive venom immunotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the natural progression of insect sting reactions in adults without immunotherapy.
- To assess the incidence and severity of repeat sting reactions.
- To determine if insect sting allergies naturally decrease in reactivity.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-three adult patients with initial skin or respiratory sting reactions were studied.
- Patients did not undergo any form of venom immunotherapy.
- Natural re-sting reactions were observed and documented for incidence and degree.
Main Results:
- No patients with initial mild cutaneous reactions experienced increased severity upon re-sting.
- Three of five patients with mild skin reactions had local reactions on repeat sting.
- One of five patients with initial respiratory reactions experienced similar symptoms upon re-sting.
Conclusions:
- Insect sting reactions in adults, particularly mild cutaneous or respiratory ones, show a natural progression towards tolerance.
- Reactions do not typically worsen with subsequent stings in untreated adults.
- Insect allergy may be a self-limiting condition in the adult population.