Attention Allergy Bee and wasp stings are sometimes life threatening

Serious consequences: Do not underestimate the hazards caused by bee and wasp stings

Although bee and wasp stings are painful, they are usually not dramatic. For people with an insect sting allergy, however, they can sometimes be life-threatening. Allergic people can but prevent: The hyposensitization is usually successful.

Death by wasp stings

In North Rhine-Westphalia, a few weeks ago a 50-year-old man was killed by wasp stings. He had apparently cut in hay sheaths in a wasp nest and not survived the subsequent attacks of insects. But stinging a bee or wasp only once is usually harmless. It looks different if you are allergic; then sometimes threatens danger to life.

Health experts warn against underestimating bee and wasp stings. Allergy sufferers can sometimes have life-threatening consequences. (Image: jcwait / fotolia.com)

Do not underestimate dangers

Experts warn against underestimating the dangers of bee and wasp stings.

"A bee or wasp venom allergy can have life-threatening consequences and in the worst case even lead to death," said Bavaria's Health Minister Melanie Huml, according to a statement.

"That's why insect allergies should always have an emergency kit with them," said the minister.

As explained by the Bavarian Ministry of Health, the emergency kit consists of several prescription drugs.

In addition to cortisone and an antihistamine in liquid form, it contains a drug with adrenaline that the patient can inject himself.

Since the effect starts immediately, the drug can be life-saving for those affected.

Hyposensitization with high success rate

"Many people do not know that they are allergic to wasp or bee venom. If an allergic reaction is suspected, seek medical attention immediately, "says Huml.

"By means of skin tests and the detection of specific antibodies in the blood can be examined whether one actually suffers from a wasp or bee venom allergy. Information is provided by GPs and specialists, "said the politician, who is a self-trained doctor.

"An insect venom allergy can be treated well in most cases once diagnosed. Especially recommended is a hyposensitization. The health insurance companies pay for this immunotherapy if the doctor has diagnosed an insect venom allergy. "

In this therapy, the patient is injected with a small dose of the insecticide. The amount is increased step by step. Due to the repeated confrontation with the allergen, habituation sets in over time.

According to experts, the success rate of this immunotherapy, which lasts between three and five years, is over 90 percent.

In addition, allergy sufferers should pay special attention to expert tips that help protect against bees and wasps.

Among other things, a simple defense trick can help here: simply sprinkle the insects out of a nebulizer with a little water. Then they think that it starts to rain and flee to their nest.

Most common cause of severe allergic reactions

In Germany, an average of approximately 20 people die every year from an allergic shock due to an insect bite.

According to the ministry, bees and wasps are the most common cause of a severe allergic reaction in German-speaking countries.

According to experts, one to five percent of the population is estimated to suffer from a bee or wasp allergy.

Allergy sufferers get a sudden rash on the whole body, sweating, dizziness or shortness of breath, they often lose consciousness and it can lead to a cardiovascular arrest.

In the worst case, anaphylactic shock, an allergic extreme reaction of the organism, occurs. Then first aid is urgently needed. The patient must be injected with adrenaline immediately. (Ad)