Insect Sting
Allergies Treatment
in San Mateo, CA

Insect sting allergies can cause more than just temporary pain or swelling—they can bring on severe reactions that leave people feeling anxious every time they step outside. For some, even the possibility of a sting from a bee, wasp, hornet, or fire ant means worrying about hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or the risk of a severe allergic reaction. These concerns can make outdoor activities stressful and limit a person’s ability to enjoy everyday life. That is why finding effective treatment and a clear plan for managing insect sting allergies is so essential for safety, peace of mind, and quality of life.  
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What Is an Insect Sting Allergy?

When you are stung by an insect, such as a bee, wasp, hornet, yellow jacket, or even some ants, these insects inject venom into your body.

For most people, an insect sting only causes redness, swelling, and itching. However, for patients with allergies to these insects, insect venom can cause severe, life-threatening reactions. An allergic reaction to an insect sting can involve your whole body and can start very rapidly after you are stung.

Possible symptoms include dizziness, nausea, weakness, stomach cramps, diarrhea, hives, itching, or wheezing. A more severe reaction can cause shortness of breath, a drop in your blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and even death if emergency medical treatment is not obtained immediately. People who have ever had a severe reaction to a stinging insect should be seen by an allergy specialist.

Our Treatments for Insect Sting Allergies

Your allergist will work with you on how to avoid being stung in the first place and will provide you with an emergency adrenaline injector, which can save your life in the event of a life-threatening allergic reaction.
People who have had an allergic reaction to a bee sting can also be desensitized to the venom with allergy shots. Allergy shots for these stinging insects are incredibly successful in the treatment of insect sting allergies and can be life-saving in patients with severe allergic sensitivities.

Antihistamines can help manage the milder symptoms of an insect sting allergy, such as itching, hives, or localized swelling. Your allergist may recommend taking them after a sting to reduce discomfort and prevent the reaction from worsening. While they are not a substitute for emergency treatment with an epinephrine injector in severe reactions, antihistamines are a helpful part of an overall management plan to keep symptoms under control and improve daily comfort for patients with insect sting sensitivities.

If you or someone you know has ever had a life-threatening reaction to a stinging insect, they should be seen by an allergist as soon as possible.

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What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your appointment begins with a thorough consultation, during which our allergist reviews your medical history and discusses any concerns you have. We ask whether you have experienced a similar reaction in the past and assess the severity of any previous stings. This step helps us understand your risk for a severe reaction or anaphylaxis and lays the foundation for a personalized treatment plan.
Next, our allergist may perform tests to diagnose your specific insect sting allergy. These tests help identify which insects trigger your reactions and determine the likelihood of a serious allergic response. Accurate diagnosis ensures that your treatment plan targets the correct allergens.
Once your allergy is diagnosed, we review your results and outline your options for managing the allergy. This may include strategies to avoid stings, instructions on when and how to use an epinephrine injector, and consideration of allergy shots if appropriate. The plan is tailored to reduce the risk of a serious reaction or anaphylaxis.
Finally, we educate you on recognizing early signs of an allergic reaction and steps to take if one occurs. We review prevention measures, explain when to seek emergency care, and provide guidance on how to continue daily activities safely. Follow-up visits are scheduled to track progress, adjust treatment if needed, and address any ongoing concerns.

How Long Does Treatment Typically Take?

The length of treatment for insect sting allergies can vary depending on the severity of your reactions and your individual health needs. Patients follow a structured plan that gradually builds tolerance through allergy shots, which often requires regular visits over several months to years. For many, it is normal to start noticing improvement after the first few months, though full protection can take longer. Throughout the process, your allergist will monitor your progress and address any concerns, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

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Benefits of Insect Sting Allergy Treatment

Living with insect sting allergies can be stressful, as even a minor outdoor activity may bring worry about potential reactions. Seeking treatment provides patients with a structured plan to manage their allergies and regain confidence in daily life.
Here are the benefits of our treatment:

  • Reduces the risk of severe allergic reactions in adults
  • Provides protection for children at risk of stings
  • Supports overall health and safety
  • Offers helpful strategies for preventing future stings
  • Improves peace of mind and quality of life
  • Encourages safe participation in outdoor activities

Cost of Insect Sting Allergy Treatment in San Mateo, CA

The cost of treating insect sting allergies in San Mateo can vary depending on several factors. Your individual treatment plan, including the type and frequency of allergy shots, as well as any necessary follow-up visits, all play a role. Insurance coverage and the specific services recommended by your doctor’s office may also influence the overall cost.

Schedule a consultation at the Allergy & Asthma Clinic today to receive personalized price quotes. You can book an appointment on our site or call us directly at (650) 991-0405

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What Makes Our Treatments Effective?

Our allergy specialists and nurse practitioner bring decades of experience in immunology to every patient interaction. From the moment you arrive at our clinic, we focus on understanding your concerns, reviewing your health history, and answering every question so you feel informed and confident in your care. Our team emphasizes quality at every step, using advanced diagnostic tools and proven treatment protocols to identify triggers and reduce the risk of serious reactions. By combining expertise, thorough evaluation, and attentive guidance, we ensure that patients receive care tailored to their individual needs.

FAQs

Yes, stinging insect allergies can be life-threatening for some patients. A severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, can occur quickly after a sting and may affect breathing, blood pressure, and consciousness. With proper evaluation and treatment, including immunotherapy when recommended, patients can gain better control over their allergies and significantly reduce the risk of a dangerous reaction. Timely management is essential to prevent these allergies from interfering with daily activities or outdoor experiences.
Yes, children can safely receive treatment for insect sting allergies. Our allergy specialists tailor care plans to each child’s needs, monitoring for potential reactions and providing education for both children and parents. Early treatment can help reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions and provide peace of mind, allowing children to enjoy outdoor activities with greater safety and confidence.
It is essential to note that our clinic offers comprehensive care for a wide range of allergies, including pollen, food, and other environmental triggers. Patients experiencing symptoms such as hay fever, hives, sneezing, inflammation, eczema, or skin, throat, or lung irritation can benefit from evaluation and treatment. Our specialists work to identify specific allergens and develop strategies to prevent reactions, helping to reduce the impact of these sensitivities on daily life.

First and foremost let me start by saying that these people did one hell of a job figuring out my sinus problems. When I first arrived there, I explained what was going on with me having excessive inflammation in the sinus…after they tested me, I found out that I was being exposed to dust mites which gave me a strong reaction. I followed the doctors guides lines in terms of cleaning my room and ever since, my sinus inflammation went away for good and now I have a healthy sinus. Thank you for everything.

- Johnathon T
Dr. Engler is great and his staff, both medical and administrative, are wonderful. Dr. Engler is competent, caring, and listens better than any doctor I’ve ever had, constantly and patiently asking if I have any more questions. The staff is great. The nurses are very friendly and helpful. The desk staff is the same. I have been going here over a year and have always received caring and competent treatment. I highly recommend them.
- Tom B
Hands down the best place to go for Allergies and Asthma. The staff is incredibly kind and caring and so professional and helpful. I’ve been going here for over 30 years and they have gone out of their way countless times to make sure that I was well-cared-for. The nurses are excellent and always make sure to ask how my family is doing not to mention that they give the most painless allergy shots around. They remember little details about me and always make sure to give me a lollipop for my son, even when he’s not with me. Brooke is a great diagnostician and listener and each time I have an appointment with her, I always leave feeling better. The same is true for Dr. Engler.

My 10 year old son also has allergies and asthma and the staff makes sure that he feels well taken care of and comfortable, despite his having Autism and ADHD. He actually looks forward to going there with me, whether it be for my allergy shots or even when he needed allergy skin testing. When you’re a patient at the Allergy and Asthma clinic, you are treated as if you are the only patient they have, even when the waiting room is full. Dr. Engler has hired truly excellent staff, from the front desk people to the nurses and medical assistants. If you have allergies and/or asthma and you live on the Peninsula or even in the city, I highly recommend that you visit the Allergy and Asthma Clinic. They are truly amazing and will make you feel so much better.

-Sandi S.
I had an amazing experience at this clinic. Dr. Engler and the staff were all extremely welcoming, warm, and thorough in their various lanes of work from the front desk to billing to the assistants to Dr. Engler himself.
One thing I wish I knew before coming in was that the food test covers 80 allergens, and the environmental test covers 80 allergens meaning if you want to do both you need to come two separate days. This is kind of a hassle but definitely worth it since you’ll be tested for 160 allergens whereas most clinics only test 80 total.
Through the tests I figured out what I was allergic to and was advised to use an over the counter medication which has drastically helped and eliminated the symptoms I was experiencing. Dr. Engler also covered all the things I needed to do to reduce my symptoms via my lifestyle which was super helpful with my symptom reduction as well. I’d highly recommend this clinic! Insurance covered the tests and visits. (I have anthem blue cross)
-Christina L
I’ve been a patient at The Allergy and Asthma Clinic for over 12 years, and I can’t speak highly enough of the care I’ve received. Growing up with severe pollen allergies, I’ve been on and off allergy shots for years, and this clinic has truly been a lifesaver for me.
From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family. The staff is incredibly kind, caring, and genuinely invested in your well-being. I have never had a negative experience with anyone here; everyone is consistently friendly and supportive.
Dr. Engler is exceptional! He has a remarkable ability to quickly and effectively address any situation. His expertise and compassionate approach have made a significant difference in managing my allergies.
If you’re struggling with allergies or asthma, this is the place to go. I wholeheartedly recommend The Allergy and Asthma Clinic to anyone seeking top-notch care.
-Trevor C