Insect Venom Allergies
Specialist Diagnosis and Treatment for Bee and Wasp Sting Allergy
Insect venom allergy can cause reactions ranging from large local swelling to severe systemic allergic reactions and anaphylaxis after a bee or wasp sting.
At the London Allergy and Immunology Centre, we provide specialist assessment, allergy testing and long-term management for children and adults with suspected bee sting allergy, wasp sting allergy and other insect venom reactions.
Specialist assessment and treatment for insect venom allergy, including bee and wasp sting reactions, at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre.
What is Insect Venom Allergy?
Insect venom allergy is an IgE-mediated allergic reaction to the venom injected during a sting. In the UK, the most important stinging insects for venom allergy are usually honeybees and wasps.
Some people develop only a local reaction, while others may experience a more serious systemic reaction affecting the skin, breathing, circulation or gastrointestinal system.
✔ Local swelling at the sting site is common
✔ Large local reactions can be painful and prolonged, but are usually not dangerous
✔ Systemic reactions require specialist assessment
✔ Anaphylaxis after an insect sting is a medical emergency
Symptoms of Bee and Wasp Sting Allergy
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the reaction.
Large Local Reactions
✔ Marked swelling around the sting site
✔ Redness, warmth and pain
✔ Swelling that may last more than 24 hours
✔ Symptoms usually confined to one area
Systemic Allergic Reactions
✔ Generalised hives or flushing
✔ Swelling away from the sting site
✔ Wheeze, cough or throat tightness
✔ Dizziness, faintness or collapse
✔ Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
Any reaction involving breathing difficulty, throat swelling, collapse or widespread symptoms should be treated as urgent and reviewed by an allergy specialist.
Who Should Seek Specialist Assessment?
Specialist referral is particularly important if you or your child has had a systemic reaction after a bee or wasp sting.
✔ Previous anaphylaxis after a sting
✔ Widespread hives, wheeze or collapse after a sting
✔ Occupational or frequent exposure to stinging insects
✔ Raised baseline tryptase or suspected mast cell disease
✔ Ongoing uncertainty about whether the reaction was allergic
Patients with only a large local reaction do not usually need venom immunotherapy, but may still benefit from specialist advice if symptoms are severe, recurrent or difficult to interpret.
How is Venom Allergy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a careful clinical history together with targeted allergy testing.
Bee and wasp venom allergies can cause reactions ranging from local swelling to life-threatening anaphylaxis, requiring specialist allergy assessment, testing and treatment.
Clinical History
We assess the timing of symptoms, type of insect involved if known, severity of the reaction, any treatment required, and whether there is a history of previous stings or allergic conditions.
Allergy Testing
Testing may include specific IgE blood testing and, in specialist settings, skin testing to bee or wasp venom. In selected cases, component testing may help clarify true sensitisation.
Further Assessment
Baseline tryptase testing may be recommended in patients with severe reactions, recurrent reactions or concern about underlying mast cell disorders.
Treatment for Insect Venom Allergy
Treatment depends on the severity of the previous reaction and the patient’s ongoing risk of future stings.
Emergency Preparedness
Patients with systemic sting reactions may need a written emergency plan and an adrenaline auto-injector, together with training on how and when to use it.
Avoidance Advice
We provide practical advice about avoiding stings, outdoor precautions, footwear, gardening, eating outdoors and reducing exposure during higher-risk activities.
Venom Immunotherapy
Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only specific treatment used to prevent future systemic reactions to bee or wasp stings in selected venom-allergic patients.
What is Venom Immunotherapy (VIT)?
Venom immunotherapy is a specialist desensitisation treatment in which gradually increasing doses of venom are given to help the immune system become less reactive over time.
It is used primarily for patients with a history of moderate-to-severe systemic allergic reactions after bee or wasp stings.
✔ Reduces the risk of future systemic reactions
✔ May be life-changing for patients with high anxiety about further stings
✔ Usually given over a course of several years in specialist care
✔ Requires proper diagnosis before treatment begins
Venom immunotherapy is highly effective in many patients, particularly for wasp venom allergy, and remains the standard specific treatment for preventing future severe sting reactions.
Bee Sting Allergy vs Wasp Sting Allergy
Although both are forms of insect venom allergy, bee and wasp venom allergies are not identical.
✔ Bee stings are often associated with outdoor work, gardening and beekeeping
✔ Wasp stings are often more common in late summer and around food or drinks outdoors
✔ Testing helps determine which venom is responsible
✔ Correct identification is important for treatment planning and immunotherapy selection
Why Choose the London Allergy and Immunology Centre?
We provide personalised assessment and management for insect venom allergy in both adults and children.
Specialist Diagnosis
Detailed history-taking and targeted testing to confirm whether a reaction is due to insect venom allergy and how serious the risk may be.
Long-Term Management
Emergency planning, injector education, avoidance advice and discussion of venom immunotherapy where appropriate.
Convenient Access
Appointments in London and remote consultations across the UK for assessment, review and treatment planning.
Book an Insect Venom Allergy Consultation
If you or your child has had a serious reaction after a bee sting or wasp sting, specialist review can help clarify the diagnosis and reduce the risk of future reactions.
Arrange Specialist Sting Allergy Assessment
Book a consultation for bee sting allergy, wasp sting allergy, anaphylaxis review and venom immunotherapy assessment.