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Insect Sting Allergy May Be Undertreated
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SATURDAY, Nov. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Frontline health workers aren''t following guidelines on management of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), new research suggests. The guidelines, published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, state that patients with a history of anaphylaxis to an insect sting should: be educated on ways they can avoid insect stings; carry injectable epinephrine for emergency self-treatment; undergo specific IgE testing for stinging insect sensitivity; and be considered for immunotherapy. In one study, Dr. Thomas L. Johnson II of San Antonio, Texas, and his colleagues analyzed the charts of patients treated at emergency rooms and primary care clinics in order to review health providers'' documented recommendations for fire ant and flying insect hypersensitivity reactions. Of 120 fire ant and flying insect encounters suggestive of a systemic reaction, 59 were from flying insects, and 46 were from fire ants. The remainder of the systemic reactions included five scorpion stings and 10 unidentified insects. The review found that 55 percent of the patients who suffered a systemic reaction received a prescription for injectable epinephrine, 12 percent were given information on how to avoid insect stings, and 39 percent were referred to an allergist. Of the 28 patients who were referred to an allergist, and who kept their appointments are were tested, 89 percent had positive skin testing and were recommended for immunotherapy. The study authors wrote that, "it is apparent that many patients who have experienced a systemic reaction following an insect sting and have sought medical care are not afforded an opportunity for potentially life-saving therapy." The findings were presented Saturday at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in Anaheim, Calif. Two other U.S. studies presented at the meeting also found that many health providers failed to follow the guidelines on management of severe allergic reactions caused by insect stings. More information The AAAAI has more about stinging insect allergy.
Last Updated: Nov. 5, 2005 |