ALLERGY TO INSECT STINGS - A NEED FOR IMPROVED PREVENTIVE MANAGEMENT

Allergy to insect venom is a major health problem for a significant nu mber of people. Immunotherapy can reduce the risk of subsequent reacti on from about 60% to less than 5%. Standard preventive care should inc lude (1) advice concerning avoidance of insects, (2) prescription of a n epinephrine kit or syringe for self-administration (unless medically contraindicated), and (3) referral for evaluation. Results of several studies from various regions of the country raise concern about the p reventive care and advice given these patients and suggest a need for continuing medical education to improve preventive management of aller gy to insect stings.