Impaired quality of life in patients with insect venom allergy

Abstract

Background

Although documented fatalities following insect stings are only rarely reported, insect venom allergy is a potentially life-threatening disease. Experiencing anaphylaxis due to an insect sting represents a threatening event for patients.

Methods

A presentation and discussion of the published data on the importance of quality of life among insect venom allergy patients.

Results

It is well established today that affected individuals experience anxiety, practice avoidance behavior, and restrict outdoor physical activities as a result of insect stings, thereby impacting their quality of life as a whole. Using a specially developed quality-of-life questionnaire among individuals allergic to wasp venom, it was possible to show that performing specific Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) results in improved quality of life, despite the occurrence of an initial and mild systemic sting reaction with manifestations restricted to the skin. Solely carrying an adrenaline autoinjector does not show this effect. This improved quality of life due to VIT was demonstrated not only in adults, but also in children with insect venom allergy, as well as in their parents. It was also shown that the tolerated sting challenge as a method of monitoring treatment efficacy under on-going VIT likewise results in increased quality of life in patients. The fact that the patient experiences a “problem-free,” controlled sting by the disease-causing insect confirms the good efficacy of VIT described in the patient information and has measurable effects on patients’ quality of life and behavior.

Conclusions

Therefore, particularly with regard to quality of life, it is important to ensure that all insect venom allergy patients are referred to an allergist, the indication for VIT is verified, treatment is initiated where appropriate, and sting challenge is performed during maintenance treatment.