Introduction: Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) in some patients occurs with general symptoms involving respiratory and cardiovascular system with anaphylactic shock with constitutes a significant threat to life.
Aim: Assessment of the prevalence of HVA in our own material.
Material and methods: There were 498 patients after a general reaction to wasp and/or bee venom. The survey included questions: the type of stinging insect, body parts stung by insects, profession, frequency of stings by wasps and bees depending on professional activity, places of stings, clinical symptoms using the scale according to Muller, and the treatment following the sting. Among 498 patients, there were 281 women and 217 men.
Results: Wasp stings were more frequent and affected 382 (77%) persons, while bee stings affected 116 (23%) persons. Limbs constituted the most common area of the body stung by both wasps and bees. The sting was more frequent in rural areas and during summer rest. A severe systemic reaction (class III and IV according to Muller) occurred more often in people stung by bees. The most common medications included intravenous glucocorticosteroids, calcium preparations and antihistamines. Intramuscular Adrenaline injection was used in 48% of patients, while only 15% received its prescription as an emergency medication. Bee stings were the most common cause of severe systemic symptoms.
Conclusions: The treatment after the sting in a significant percentage of episodes still deviates from the recommendations of the guidelines, especially in the field of adrenaline recommendations for patients in case of a resting by an insect.
Keywords: Hymenoptera venom allergy; anaphylaxis; immunotherapy.