| Title: |
Identifying and managing Hymenoptera venom allergy. |
| Authors: |
Kane Matron, Patricia; Timms, Victoria |
| Source: |
Nursing Standard; 5/25/2016, Vol. 30 Issue 39, p44-51, 8p |
| Subject Terms: |
Allergy diagnosis; Allergy drug therapy; Adrenaline; Anaphylaxis; Bites & stings; Immunotherapy; Venom |
| Abstract: |
Hymenoptera venom allergy is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity to the venom of insects from the Hymenoptera order and is a common cause of anaphylaxis. A diagnosis of venom allergy is made by taking an accurate medical, family and social history, alongside specific allergy testing. Systemic reactions to Hymenoptera venom occur in a small proportion of the population; these range from mild to life-threatening in severity. Treatment for local reactions involves the use of cold packs, antihistamines, analgesia and topical corticosteroids to help alleviate swelling, pain and pruritus. Venom immunotherapy is the treatment of choice for reducing the incidence of future anaphylactic reactions in individuals who have signs of respiratory obstruction or hypotension. Venom immunotherapy is the most effective treatment in reduction of life-threatening reactions to venom, and can improve quality of life for individuals. Treatment should only be provided by experienced staff who are able to provide emergency care for anaphylaxis and life-threatening episodes. A risk assessment to deliver treatment should be undertaken before treatment is commenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| : |
Copyright of Nursing Standard is the property of Royal College of Nursing of the United Kingdom (The) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) |
| Database: |
Complementary Index |