How can I find out if Im allergic to wasp stings (without getting stung obviously). The reason I ask this?

Question

is because I've been stung by wasps/bees about 4 or 5 times in my life and the reactions and swelling have got worse each time. Im worried what will happen if I get stung again...

Answer 1

You should be referred to an Allergist. When you go for testing ( usually not the first visit) prepare to be at the physician's office for quite a long time. The skin testing process is a very long one.

The testing is done by injecting very dilute amounts of lab produced venoms right underneath your skin ( the injection is exactly like a TB test, if you've ever had one). If you don't have a reaction after one dilution, you will then be injected with the next stronger dilution of the venom. You get tested to five different dilutions from five different types of stinging insects. This helps the doctor determine how allergic you are to the insect. These results are usually done for the purpose of " desnesitizing" you to the allergen.

Its sounds a lot like a bad movie, but it's true. I worked for an allergist for years and did many of these tests on my patients!

M.

Answer 2

You might want to ask your doctor for a referral to an allergy specialist. My son received allergy testing through our local ear/nose/throat doctor, but I don't remember if they tested for sensitivity to bee stings.

On a personal note, I had the same problem as you've had. Each time I was stung by a honeybee the reaction became more severe. Eventually, I developed a full-blown allergy.

I am noticing that the same is happening with wasps.

You have a right to be concerned, and really should seek a referral for this.

Answer 3

You can be tested for allergies at a doctor's office.