It’s a familiar belief that children grow out of their allergies. But is it true? Can allergies go away? The answer isn’t straight forward. For a practical understanding of bee sting hypersensitivities and whether you should talk to a doctor, keep reading.
How Common are bee sting allergies?
Bee sting allergies are relatively common. It is important to remember this when confronted with signs of an allergy. Don’t panic, but also, take it seriously! Assuming the allergy will go away could have negative consequences. Here are three common statistics you should know:
- 16 million Americans are living with a potentially life-threatening bee sting allergy.4
- 220K emergency room visits occur each year because of bee sting allergy-related anaphylaxis.2
- Each year, 60 people in the United States die due to anaphylactic shock after being stung.2
When to Talk to a Doctor About a Bee Sting Allergy
If you suspect an allergy, don’t wait it out. Schedule an appointment with a local allergist. However, if the symptoms seem severe, call 911 or head to the emergency room. Remember, anaphylaxis can occur within minutes.
Here is a list of serious symptoms to look out for:
- Trouble breathing
- Hives or swelling
- Tightness of the throat
- Hoarse voice
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Cardiac arrest
Discover Venom immunotherapy
But Can Allergies Go Away?
Yes, some children develop allergies and later outgrow them. Doctors don’t always know the exact reasons for the disappearance. However, the understanding is that overtime people can become desensitized through contact with the allergen. For example, maybe your nose became very stuffy when you first adopted a dog. But over time, you may adjust to your dog’s hair and stop experiencing symptoms.
Treatments like immunotherapy are controlled interactions with known allergens, allowing the body to build up immunity. For some, they never need this treatment. Their body does the process on its own, creating the necessary antibodies. But for others, allergies are lifelong and can even worsen over time. Let’s look at a study that highlights these facts.
17% of Kids With Untreated Allergies Have Another Allergic Reaction
The Allergic Reaction Could Be Worse Next Time
We shouldn’t stop taking allergic reactions seriously simply because some allergies can go away on their own. After one systemic reaction, the possibility of a reoccurring reaction of similar or increased severity increases anywhere between 20% and 60%.11
Without talking to a doctor, it is incredibly difficult to know your own risk. Through testing, allergists can discover the amount of antibodies your body has for a specific allergen and determine your risk factor.
Talk to a local allergist
Find a Local Allergist
If you think you have a bee sting allergy, don’t wait for an emergency. Instead, talk to an allergist about testing and venom immunotherapy.
