Allergy & Immunology

Question 1

What type of insect bite/sting is most likely to cause severe reaction?

Answer 1

Venom of bees/wasps/hornets due to antigenic substances

Question 2

What are the potential complications of insect bites/stings?

Answer 2

-Local skin trauma
-Allergic reactions
-Systemic toxicity
-Transmission of infectious disease
-Secondary bacterial infection
-Exacerbation of atopic eczema

Question 3

When should a patient who has had an insect bite be referred to an allergy specialist?

Answer 3

People who have had or are suspected of having a systemic reaction

Question 4

A patient presents following hospitalisation for a severe reaction to an insect bite.

What should the patient carry with them?

Answer 4

-Medical alert bracelet/necklace
-AAI

Question 5

What does AAI stand for?

Answer 5

Adrenaline auto-injector

Question 6

A patient presents following an insect bite due to the appearance of a large area of swelling and erythema around 15cm across. They are systemically well.

Should this patient be referred to allergy specialist?

Answer 6

They may need to be - ideally they would be discussed with allergy specialist to determine this