Insect bite allergies that you should be aware of

Definition

What is an allergy to insect bites?

Insect bites can cause reactions that range from mild symptoms to serious allergic reactions. Insect bite allergy is a response of the immune system to toxins released or to insect body parts when biting or sticking to our bodies.

Common bite reactions generally go away within hours or days. However, it is different if you have an allergy to insect bites. The effect on your body will be more serious than for people who are not allergic.

The initial symptoms are similar to that of an ordinary insect bite, namely the appearance of red, itchy bumps. After a while, these symptoms can develop into a rash, swelling, and shortness of breath in very sensitive people.

In some cases, insect bites can even cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This condition can be life threatening so it must be treated medically.

Unfortunately, allergy symptoms are often mistaken for a reaction to an ordinary insect bite. This is why you are advised to consult a doctor if you experience certain symptoms after being bitten by an insect, especially if these symptoms appear repeatedly.

There are a number of treatment methods to relieve allergy symptoms and prevent their recurrence. An accurate diagnosis will certainly make the treatment more optimal.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of an insect bite allergy?

The reactions that arise due to insect bite allergies are generally more severe than ordinary insect bites. The most common symptoms include:

• itching sensation in the area of ​​the insect bite,
• an area of ​​itching that is larger than usual,
• pain or swelling (in the bite area or spreading),
• bruising at the bite area,
• hives and rashes (hives), as well
• lymphangitis or inflammation of the lymph system.

Symptoms vary in severity from person to person. Reactions in the form of pain, swelling, and redness usually appear only at the bite area. You can fix this by cleaning the bitten area of ​​the skin or applying ice to it.

There are also insect bite reactions that spread, but are not caused by allergies. This reaction may seem serious, but it can be treated in the same way as an ordinary insect bite as long as no other symptoms are present.

Meanwhile, allergic reactions appear in more severe forms. The symptoms you experience may be widespread, unbearable, or accompanied by complaints in other parts of the body. This kind of reaction may need to be treated with allergy medication.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Allergic reactions to insect bites are inherently serious and therefore need to be treated medically. Therefore, you should immediately see a doctor if you experience allergy symptoms after being bitten by an insect.

You should also get medical help immediately if you have a severe allergic reaction characterized by the following symptoms.

• Rash, itching, and swelling other than the bite area.
• Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
• Hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or loud breathing (wheezing).
• Swelling of the tongue or throat.
• A sudden drop in blood pressure.
• Nervous system disorders, such as muscle weakness in one part of the body.
• Fainting, coma, or having a heart attack.

Launching the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, people who experience an allergic reaction after being bitten by an insect have a 60% chance of experiencing a similar reaction or more severe when bitten again.

Insects such as fire ants and wasps often sting more than once. This can be dangerous because the more frequently you bite, the more severe the allergy symptoms will appear. Checking with a doctor will be useful to prevent it.

Cause

What causes an allergy to insect bites?

The cause of an allergic reaction is the immune system's excessive response to foreign substances that trigger allergies. Any substance that can trigger an allergy is called an allergen. In this case, the allergen comes from toxins, saliva, or certain enzymes that the insect produces.

The immune system response should be aimed at fighting germs or substances that can cause damage to the body. However, the immune system of allergy sufferers attacks allergens that are actually harmless.

The allergens from insects are basically harmless to the body. Your body is able to neutralize and excrete these foreign substances without causing any impact. The danger actually arises if you have an allergy to insect bites.

Your immune system perceives toxins, saliva, and insect enzymes as threats. The cells in it also send antibodies and chemicals to fight it. It is this response that causes symptoms such as itching, rash, and redness.

In the case of a severe allergic reaction, the immune system responds in a big way, causing inflammation of the airways and various other symptoms. If not treated immediately, this condition will continue to get worse and endanger lives.

What insects can trigger an allergic reaction?

There are many types of insects that can cause an allergic reaction. Some of them are often found in the home environment, namely:

1. Stinging insects

The stinging insects that most commonly trigger allergic reactions include bees, wasps, and fire ants. When they sting, these insects secrete a type of poison that the immune system considers dangerous.

2. Biting insects

Mosquitoes, bed bugs, fleas, and some types of flies can cause an allergic reaction to insect bites. There is also a type of flea named Amblyomma americanum which can make a person allergic to meat.

3. House pests

Domestic pests such as mites and cockroaches do not bite or sting. Even so, their faeces and their bodies can enter your respiratory tract, triggering an allergic reaction.

Risk factors

Who is more prone to having an insect bite allergy?

The following are a list of factors that make a person more susceptible to having an allergy to insect bites, especially mosquitoes.

• Are overweight or obese.
• Have levels of uric acid, lactic acid, and ammonia in the body in higher than normal levels.
• Frequent outdoor activities.
• Has low natural immunity to insects, such as small children or people who inhabit a new area.
• Having problems with the immune system, for example due to AIDS or leukemia.
• Allergy to contents in mosquito saliva, such as protein content and antimicrobial substances.

Diagnosis

How to diagnose insect bite allergy?

The best way to diagnose insect bite allergy is by medical examination. The doctor will first ask you about your medical history, including when you were bitten by insects, what symptoms occurred, and so on.

The doctor then continued the examination with an allergy test. There are three types of allergy tests that can be done, namely:

• Skin prick test. Your skin is dripped with a little allergen, then pricked with a small needle. The doctor will observe the symptoms for 15-20 minutes.
• Intradermal test. Allergens in small doses are injected into your skin. The doctor then observes the symptoms for 15 minutes.
• Blood test. This test is chosen when the results of the two previous tests are negative. Your blood sample will be drawn for further examination in the laboratory.

Medicine and medication

How to treat insect bite allergies?

Treatment for insect bite allergies consists of two steps. The first step is to manage symptoms, including severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. The second step is to prevent relapse through immunotherapy.

Here are the details.

1. Epinephrine injection

Epinephrine injections are first aid for severe allergic reactions. These drugs work by reversing the symptoms that occur during anaphylaxis. That way, the patient's body can return to stability before getting medical assistance.

2. Treating sting wounds

If an insect sting is left on your skin, remove it immediately with your fingernail. Do not squeeze the area where it stings, as this will deepen the poison. Keep calm and do the following steps.

1. Remove the sting, then apply a cold compress if available.
2. Clean the stinged area with soap and water to prevent infection.
3. Apply an ointment or take an antihistamine to reduce itching.
4. Watch for symptoms. See a doctor immediately if swelling gets worse or signs of infection appear.

3. Using allergy medications

Allergy medications help relieve itching, pain, and swelling of the skin affected by insect bites. The drugs commonly used are antihistamine tablets and corticosteroid ointments. Make sure you have discussed with your doctor before using any form of medication.

4. Immunotherapy with insect poison

Immunotherapy is a treatment that aims to train the immune system so that it is less sensitive to allergens. This method is useful for reducing the risk of allergic recurrence in the future and preventing severe allergic reactions.

Your doctor will inject a small amount of allergen, then increase the dose over several weeks to months. After treatment, it is hoped that the immune system will no longer overreact to these allergens.

Prevention

How to prevent insect bite allergies?

There is no specific way to prevent insect bites or allergic reactions from them. However, the following methods can help you.

• Identify the shape of the insect nest that triggers an allergic reaction in your body. That way, it will be easier for you to avoid it.
• Wear socks and shoes when traveling.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing, trousers, socks, and shoes when doing activities in a mountainous region.
• Use curtains on doors and windows of the house.
• Use an insect repellent when doing activities outside the home.
• Make sure there are no plants, shrubs, or grass that attract insects around the house.
• Spray insect repellent regularly in the trash can.

Unlike ordinary insect bites, insect bite allergies occur due to the immune system's response to toxins and saliva released by insects when they bite. In some people, this reaction can cause severe symptoms.

Immediately see a doctor if you experience certain symptoms after being bitten or stung by an insect. Further tests will help determine the correct diagnosis and treatment.