Hi David,

Thank you for the Welcome.

1) What sort of medical test was used to make the diagnosis of
hyperallergic to wasps?

A - We had all the tests done yesterday at the local Children's
hospital. They gave about 15 - 20 injections in his right and left
arm. Three our son reacted to - one of those surprisingly so. They
gave a checklist with the results but I didn't really get a chance to
look at it last night. When I wrote my post yesterday I didn't
realize that there were different allergies to Bees vs Wasps vs
Hornet stings.

2) Did your son have swelling anywhere else than the neck?

A - No other swelling, but it did stay quite swollen for a few days.

3) Did he have any hives or rashes for example away from the sting
site?

A - I don't think it was on the same day, but a day or two after he
got a rash all over his body that came and disapeared within about 12
hours.

4) Did the doctor prescribe any drugs or epipens?

A - Yes, the Dr was surprised at the severity of his reaction to one
of the tests. Media Alert braclet ordered, first year drug supply
for immunotheropy ordered, and Epipens ordered.

IgE vs Venom ? - It probably said on the test results, but I didn't
really know what I was looking at. All we've done to this point is
get the ball rolling on all the steps mentioned above (medic alert,
epipens, etc).

I am planning to commit some serious time to start studying all I can
this weekend so I will check out the websites you mention.

Thank you for your time.

Dave

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "Insect Stings" <david@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi there,
>
> Welcome to our Group - I know there are a number of people here
with children that are allergic to wasps and hopefully they will come
through with you on the practical advice side. If you search this
Group you will also find some messages that are very appropriate -
but hopefully those people will help live too!
>
> I think we need to know a little more from you so perhaps the
following questions can be answered:
>
> 1) What sort of medical test was used to make the diagnosis of
hyperallergic to wasps?
> 2) Did your son have swelling anywhere else than the neck?
> 3) Did he have any hives or rashes for example away from the
sting site?
> 4) Did the doctor prescribe any drugs or epipens?
>
> My initial response is that it is very common to have lots of
swelling on wasp stings for children - particularly if they are fair
skinned - and it is important for the doctor to check that the
swelling was due to IgE and not the venom. If it was IgE mediated
then it is allergy, if it was not then it is just "normal" swelling.
>
> If you are looking for a good website on this subject then I think
www.insectstings.co.uk is pretty good at covering most of the issues
and there is a links page on that site to other useful sites.
>
> I hope we can be of help!
>
> Best wishes
>
> David
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: tmpsailing
> To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:02 PM
> Subject: [insectstings] Yikes! Son hyperallergic
>
>
> Hello all,
>
> Brief history:
>
> Six year old son. Real outdoorsy. Stung half a dozen times before
> without incident. At a pumpkin patch field-trip in October with
> school he got stung behind the ear and his ear and neck swelled
up
> like a grapefruit. Allergy testing just done today and he is
super
> allergic to yellow jackets.
>
> End of history
>
> I'm new to this as neither wife nor I are allergic to anything. I
> did a google search and am a bit overwhelmed at all the
information
> out there about insect allergies. Can someone recommend some good
> sites to start with. My head is full of questions, but I don't
know
> what to ask or where to start.
>
> We, (as a family), are always outdoors or hiking, or swimming, or
> playing. We have a summer cabin in the wilderness where the kids
go
> to for weeks during the summer and that's where my son has been
stung
> before. Should we be getting our other son tested as well?
>
> Any information references that people feel would be helpful
would be
> appreciated.
>
> Thank you.
>