Allergy to hymenoptera stings

Allergy to Hymenoptera stings may be severe or even fatal. Records were examined of 249 insect-allergic patients seen over 12 years. Evaluation included careful history taking. Intradermal skin tests were of value in diagnosis and treatment, but correlation with history was imperfect. Patients were instructed in methods to decrease the possibility of subsequent stings and given emergency treatment kits containing epinephrine. Results of hyposensitizing injections were excellent, with 303 of 308 subsequent stings resulting in less reaction than before beginning injections. (JAMA 228:718-720, 1974)