Venom allergy testing and venom sting anaphylaxis treatment

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Venom allergy testing and venom sting anaphylaxis treatment

At Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois, we serve patients in and around Elgin and Crystal Lake, Illinois. Many of our patients have concerns about venom allergies and anaphylaxis from insect stings. We offer comprehensive testing for venom allergies and treatment options for those who experience severe reactions to insect stings.

What are venom allergies?

Venom allergies occur when the immune system reacts abnormally to the proteins found in the venom of certain insects, including bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and even fire ants. These insects inject their venom through their stingers or bites, which can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

What is a typical reaction to venom stings?

The most common type of reaction to venom is a local reaction, which causes swelling, redness, pain, and itching in the area of the sting. This reaction usually resolves within a few hours or days and does not require further treatment. However, some individuals may experience more severe reactions, including systemic allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. These reactions can affect multiple systems in the body and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

What is venom allergy testing?

Venom allergy testing involves exposing a patient to small amounts of insect venom through skin prick or blood tests. These tests help identify which specific insect venoms trigger an allergic reaction in an individual. Some of these tests include:

  • Skin prick testing. The process of skin prick tests involves placing a small amount of insect venom on the surface of the skin and then pricking or scratching the area to allow for absorption into the skin. The presence of a raised, itchy bump within 15 to 20 minutes indicates an allergic reaction.
  • Intradermal testing. This involves injecting a small amount of insect venom into the top layer of skin and observing for any reactions.
  • Blood tests. Blood tests measure the levels of specific antibodies in the blood that can indicate an allergy to certain insect venoms.

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Why is venom allergy testing important?

With venom allergy testing and screening services, we can help to identify which insects trigger an allergic reaction and allow for proper treatment and prevention strategies to be put in place. It also helps guide decisions on when to carry emergency epinephrine (EpiPen) and seek immediate medical attention if exposed to insect venom.

What is the treatment for a venom sting anaphylaxis?

If someone experiences anaphylaxis from an insect sting, they should seek immediate medical attention. Treatment for anaphylaxis usually involves administering epinephrine (adrenaline) through an auto-injector device such as an EpiPen. This helps reverse the allergic reaction’s symptoms and can be life-saving in severe cases. Other medications, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, may also be given to help relieve symptoms.

Venom immunotherapy is a treatment that may be used to reverse the likelihood of anaphylaxis. This treatment works by getting a series of small shots that act as a vaccine for the venom you may be allergic to on a specific schedule. Over time, you may lose your severe allergic response. This is why you should get a workup from an allergist.

Who can I contact to learn more about venom allergy testing and treatment?

Our team at Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois provides patients with solutions that improve their quality of life and address common allergies. Call (847) 888-8802 to request an upcoming visit to one of our two office locations in Elgin and Crystal Lake, IL.


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Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.


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