--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "David Glaser" <david@...> wrote:
>
> Your first port of call is of course the allergy consultant but in my
> opinion .....
>
> I think the main thing to remember is that your current reaction ie
> a bit of local swelling, is a different kind of reaction to
> anaphylaxis or a systemic reaction.
>
> Your local swelling is the sort of response that most people who are
> stung by a wasp (and 2/5ths of the 50 microgram injection is
> equivalent to about one full wasp sting because the typical wasp
> sting is around 8 - 20 microgram) would get. In other words it is
> perfectly normal and acceptable to have some local swelling when you
> are stung and get a dose of venom. It is the body's natural
> response.
>

> A systemic reaction can occur to even the tiniest of doses of venom
> and cascades through the body due to the body's own defense mechanism
> and not because of the volume of venom. It is not a natural response
> and it arises due to different sort of response pathways in the body.
>
> There are two types of allergic reaction cells - T1 and T2 and a
> normal allergic response is triggered by one type of cells and the
> nasty anaphylaxis response by the other. As long as you are getting
> a normal sort of reaction then I do think you should be absolutely
> fine.
>
> Wasp venom is a very nasty substance and the body is simply using its
> defences to reduce the locally high concentration of venom. It is
> not really indicative of anaphylaxis although it is understandable
> that you might be anxious that it might be!
>
> If you look back on this forum, most people have local swelling and
> itching to their injections and get to the final dose.
>
> Hope that helps a bit - but do have a word with the consultants as I
> am sure they will be able to offer some reassurance too!
>
> Best wishes
>
> David
>
Thanks for the response David, and I will speak to the consultant
again about it, and I wonder if they will lower the venom increase
again this week due to the localised swelling.

Michael