![]() Some centres may have different treatment schedules. Once this has been achieved, you may be asked to return every month for injections for up to three years.The initial phase lasts for around 8 – 12 weeks, during which the very low starting dose is slowly increased to reach the required maintenance levels.Immunotherapy treatment takes a considerable amount of time and has two phases, known as “initial” (or “up-dosing”) and “maintenance”: This is the sort of dose you might encounter with multiple stings. It starts at very low doses and rises over an agreed period of time to reach a safe level of venom – usually 100 micrograms. The treatment consists of a course of injections of insect venom. Immunotherapy is available at a number of specialist centres in the UK, but your need for this treatment must be assessed at an allergy clinic. For additional information visit Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus.Your GP or allergy specialist may decide you are a suitable candidate for immunotherapy (also known as desensitisation). Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited without authorization. Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. ![]() Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. ![]() is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. Do not place the person in this position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it causes discomfort.Ī.D.A.M., Inc. Have the person lie flat, raise the person's feet about 12 inches (30 centimeters), and cover them with a coat or blanket. Avoid oral medicine if the person is having difficulty breathing. Do not wait to see if the reaction gets worse. If the person has injectable emergency allergy medicine (Epinephrine), administer it at the beginning of a reaction. Do not use tweezers - squeezing the stinger will release more venom. If the allergic reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR. A warning sign of dangerous throat swelling is a very hoarse or whispered voice, or coarse sounds when the person is breathing in air. For a mild reaction, a health care provider may recommend over-the-counter medicines, such as antihistamines.įor a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis):Ĭheck the person's airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABC's of Basic Life Support). Watch the person for signs of increasing distress. If the person develops an itchy rash, apply cool compresses and an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. ![]() Try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid further contact with it. Without treatment, anaphylaxis can get worse very quickly and lead to death within 15 minutes.Ĭalm and reassure the person having the reaction. Immediate medical attention is needed for this condition. In very rare cases, reactions develop after 24 hours.Īnaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure. Some reactions can occur after several hours, particularly if the allergen causes a reaction after it has been eaten. Most severe allergic reactions occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to the allergen. Once a person has had an exposure or an allergic reaction (is sensitized), even a very limited exposure to a very small amount of allergen can trigger a severe reaction. Repeated exposures may lead to more serious reactions. Substances that don't bother most people (such as venom from bee stings and certain foods, medicines, and pollens) can trigger allergic reactions in certain people.įirst-time exposure may produce only a mild reaction. Allergic reactions occur more often in people who have a family history of allergies. The most severe form is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. They can be confined to a small area of the body, or they may affect the entire body. Many allergic reactions are mild, while others can be severe and life threatening. Most reactions happen soon after contact with an allergen. The immune response that causes an allergic reaction is similar to the response that causes hay fever. ![]()
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