Summer Survival Tips for Stinging Insect Reactions

Filed in archive Allergy Medications , Gadgets and Tools Against Allergies , Insect Allergies on June 19, 2006

Yesterday evening, we went for a walk in a meadow near a barn and I recognized how many insects are in the air. Apparently, we're not the only ones enjoying the early summer days. Afterall, for insects, it's the time of the year they get into most action, particularly for those whose role it is to pollinate flowers.

Dr. Clifford Bassett, a practicing adult and pediatric allergist/ immunologist in New York, offers these tips for those who have allergies to insect stings:

• Avoid flowering plants and trees and use insect repellent.


• Communicate with your relatives and friends that you have an allergy to certain pests before you travel. Telling your relatives is critical as they will be more prepared to handle a reaction.


• Take your epinephrine auto-injector with you everywhere. You can never be 100 percent confident of avoiding allergens, especially bee stings. Be prepared at all times.


• Immediately remove the stinger as quickly and completely as possible. A credit card swiped across the skin is a simple and easy method.


• Visit or talk to your allergist before your child attends summer camp. Also make sure that the staff is aware of your child's allergies, knows how to treat an unexpected reaction and administer medication.


• Ensure that you and your child always have two doses of epinephrine available. Emergency planning will help you have an active and enjoyable summer.

Why two doses? Because there are studies which say that up to 35% of patients may require a second dose of epinephrine, 5 to 10 minutes after the first, to effectively prevent anaphylaxis.

There is only one FDA-approved epinephrine injector that contains two doses in one device: Twinject. Two shots of epinephrine (0.15 or 0.30 mg each, depending on body weight) in a slim, crush-resistant case you can easily slip into your pocket or purse. Nifty!