Insect allergy - causes and signs of insect allergy

There are no types of insect allergy.

Causes

The main causes of insect allergy include: hereditary predisposition to allergic reactions; exposure to hymenoptera (this group of arthropods includes wasps, hornets, bees, bumblebees, ants); interaction with non-stinging groups of insects (blood-sucking mosquitoes, midges, bedbugs, etc.); biting (cockroaches, beetles); non-biting (bloodworms, moths, butterflies, etc.).

When associated with foreign components, an allergic reaction can occur on its own or provoke the development of other ailments that a person has, for example, bronchial asthma.

Symptoms

There are systemic and local manifestations of this disease. A local reaction occurs in the area of the arthropod bite. It is characterized by the following signs: a rash on the skin of various origins (urticaria, redness, formations with clear liquid, erythema, hemorrhages in the upper layer of the epidermis), severe itching.

A systemic response is the course of inflammation that affects several organ systems. The following are observed: generalized rashes on the skin, itching, epithelial atrophy, swelling of the larynx accompanied by respiratory arrest, suffocation (shortness of breath, wet cough, hoarseness), anaphylactic shock (an extremely severe response of the body to previously unknown components of arthropods). Accompanied by fainting, hypotension, cyanosis of the body.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics are performed by an allergist and consist of a number of manipulations. Among them:

• History of the disease. The victim is asked about the circumstances of contact with the insect. It is also found out what medical care was provided to the person after the harmful infection.
• Allergological anamnesis. The patient is asked about allergic reactions in the past, what drugs were used for treatment.
• Examination by a dermatologist, allergist-immunologist. This includes removing the sting from the damaged area if present, determining the presence of a rash, nasal congestion and discharge, the presence of a cough; in a complicated condition, increased heart rate, hypotension, nausea and fever may occur.
• General blood test. Determines the severity of the body's response.
• Specific immunoglobulins E are determined.
• Skin testing. Examines the patient's sensitivity to various irritants. During testing, the patient must be healthy and show no signs of response.

In the case of a severe reaction, a number of actions must be taken: biochemical blood test (determines liver and kidney function); electrocardiography (characterizes the functionality of the heart), measuring the patient's blood pressure (low blood pressure indicates an exacerbation of inflammation).

Treatment

The main treatment measures are to completely eliminate the connection with the substance that caused such a reaction; nutrition with the exclusion of products that promote irritation - citrus fruits, chocolate, etc.; applying a tourniquet to the vulnerable area.

In case of anaphylactic shock, laryngospasm, Quincke's edema, treatment is carried out only in medical institutions. In intensive care and resuscitation departments, assistance consists of administering medications such as adrenaline, glucocorticosteroids, antihistamines, local drugs (ointments, creams, etc.), immunotherapy.

Prevention

Preventive measures are as follows: avoid contact with pests (in the apiary, in nature, etc.); use special nets in the house; do not use too concentrated perfumes; wear closed special clothing when working in the field. If a person has an insect allergy and constantly comes into contact with them during his work, then it is necessary to change the type of activity.