Wasp sting allergy

[alexanderosman]

About 8 years ago I was stung by a wasp (second sting in my life as stung once as a child). Hives all round the sting site took two weeks of daily antihistamines to clear. Had an asthma attack after sting but it didn’t start for about 20 minutes and was resolved by using ventolin inhaler. Told asthma nurse who said it was borderline anaphylactic reaction and I might need epipen. GP said no when he asked though.

Last week was stung again. Only one sting on the end of my thumb as opposed to more contact when caught under my arm last time. Started swelling and throbbing straightaway. I took antihistamine straightaway and sat down. Thought I was ok after 15 mins, just swollen top half of thumb. Then my chest got tight and was running out of breath talking. Two puffs of ventolin helped. Needed two more a couple more times throughout the day and thumb was still red and swollen for a couple of days. Took 2 more days antihistamine.

I’m confused because this doesn’t seem to be severe enough to have been anaphylaxis, but can a wasp sting cause an asthma attack that’s just an allergic reaction and not anaphylaxis?

[MrsCMK]

Hey! I personally have never experienced a reaction from a wasp sting, however, the twice I’ve had anaphylactic reactions (to food) I’ve had a real nasty asthma attack with it.

Since then, I’ve had a exposure in a slightly similar fashion to the foods that’s caused my anaphylactic reactions without the asthma attack, however the only advice I can give you is to NOT take any chances. The fact that you required Ventolin is enough to know that wasp stings do trigger an exaggerated reaction for you.

Are you currently under an immunologist? If so, call and bring your next appointment forward. If you’re no longer under immunology, I’d visit your GP and ask for a referral.

Unfortunately, the prescribing of an EpiPen is very rarely initiated in primary care, so you’ll most likely need an immunologist to do this.

I hope you get some answers soon

[alexanderosman in reply to MrsCMK]

Would you say it was possible to have an asthma attack with a reaction that wasn’t anaphylaxis though?

[MrsCMK in reply to alexanderosman]

Based on what paramedics have told me before, asthma symptoms are symptoms of anaphylaxis when following exposure to a known anaphylactic allergen.

I hope this helps?

[alexanderosman in reply to MrsCMK]

Ok guess I should try to see my GP then.

[MrsCMK in reply to alexanderosman]

Definitely. Please be careful and take care

[alexanderosman in reply to MrsCMK]

I’ve definitely learnt not to put my hands anywhere near wasps, even if they appear to be dead!