Insect Allergy

Treatment Options

Prevention
Treatment at UPMC

If you are having trouble breathing, call for emergency medical help immediately.

Treatment may include:

• epinephrine—injected immediately in the event of a severe, life-threatening insect sting allergy
• antihistamine medications (Benedryl)—used to decrease swelling, itching
• corticosteroid medications—given for more severe swelling, itching
• immunotherapy—a series of allergy shots to gradually desensitize you to insect stings

Prevention
To reduce your chance of having an insect allergy reaction:

• Avoid situations where you may be around stinging insects.
• Be very careful when doing yard or garden work, or when hiking in the forest.
• Don't walk barefoot.
• Don't wear scented products, since perfumes can attract stinging insects.
• Keep exposed skin to a minimum.
• Consider immunotherapy (allergy shots) to lessen your reaction to insect stings.
• Carry a bee sting kit with you at all times. These contain self-injectable epinephrine.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace to inform others of your allergy.

Treatment at UPMC
This condition is typically treated by experts specializing in

• Emergency Medicine

Call UPMC at 800-533-UPMC (8762) to find a doctor and schedule an appointment.