Insect allergy and Venom Immunotherapy

Challenges for Insect Allergies

Allergic reactions to insect stings or bites – such as those from bees, wasps, ants, or ticks – occur when the immune system overreacts to the venom released during the sting or bite. While most people experience only mild local redness, pain, and swelling, some individuals develop large, localised swelling or severe allergic (anaphylactic) reactions.

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition that may cause widespread hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or collapse within minutes of being stung. Anyone who has had such a reaction should be assessed by an allergy specialist. Diagnosis is usually made through a detailed history supported by skin testing or blood tests for venom-specific IgE antibodies.

Avoidance of stings is important – wearing shoes outdoors, avoiding bright clothing, and keeping food and sweet drinks covered can reduce risk. However, for those at risk of severe reactions, carrying an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector and a personalised action plan is essential.

Venom immunotherapy (VIT) can be offered to some patients with history of anaphylaxis to bee and wasp sting. It is offered from 5-years of age onwards and is a highly effective treatment that can dramatically reduce the risk of future life-threatening reactions. It involves giving gradually increasing doses of purified bee or wasp venom under medical supervision to desensitise the immune system. Treatment usually lasts 3 to 5 years and provides long-term protection in most patients.

With our appropriate diagnosis, education, and where indicated, venom immunotherapy, people with insect sting allergy can lead normal, active lives with greatly reduced risk of severe reactions.

Food Challenges

Questions? We got you.

How do I book an appointment?

The first step in booking an appointment is to obtain a referral from your GP or another specialist. While a referral is not required, having one enables you to claim applicable Medicare rebates and helps our team appropriately triage your condition for review. Once you have your referral, you can schedule an appointment by booking online or contacting our practice directly and uploading your referral – our team will be in touch to schedule an appointment

Please bring a valid referral letter, Medicare card, and any recent investigation results, previous skin prick or patch testing reports, and relevant medical correspondence. For children, bringing their red book with recent growth measurements is also helpful.

Avoid antihistamines for 3–5 days before your appointment, as they can affect skin testing. You may continue nose sprays, asthma medications, antibiotics, and steroid creams. Do not apply moisturisers or topical steroids on areas likely to be tested (for example forearms, legs, back).

If you are suffering from a condition that you need to take oral anti histamines or steroids to control to manage your symptoms, continue to take those medications. Our doctors can arrange other forms of testing if required after the consultation.

Initial appointments approximately take around an hour, which may include skin prick testing if required. Follow-up appointments are typically shorter.

We prefer face-to-face appointments but we also offer telehealth consultations for selected patients or circumstances.

Harmony Allergy & Immunology Clinic is conveniently accessible by public transport, including Translink bus services. The Sunnybank clinic offers free onsite parking and street parking is also available around the Sunnybank hospital.

Skin prick testing applies a small amount of allergen (commercial extract or fresh food) to the skin which is then gently pricked to check for a reaction. The test takes 1–2 minutes, with results read after 15–20 minutes. Your doctor will determine if it’s appropriate for you.

Allergy testing is done by trained staff in a fully equipped medical setting. Reactions are rare, usually limited to mild itchiness at the test site, and can be promptly treated if needed.

Ensure you are well and avoid antihistamines 3–5 days before the test. Bring entertainment (toys, books, iPad, laptops) and for children, their favourite foods. You may need to bring the food or drug being tested which the staff will advise. We do not recommend bringing siblings; if necessary, bring an extra support person.

Ensure you are well before your appointment. You will be monitored by a health practitioner for at least 30 minutes after your immunotherapy dose. If taking your medication or vaccine home, please bring a small cooler with ice pack.

Are you ready to request an appointment?

Schedule a consultation with our experts to discuss your allergy needs.