Spain: increase of bumblebee polination also increases number of allergic patients

"In recent years, the use of bumblebees in greenhouses for pollination has caused an increase in the number of patients suffering allergies to the sting of this hymenopterous insect," explains Doctor Sergia Cruz, allergist at Almeria's Torrecárdenas hospital, who took part in the 1st International Symposium on Allergies to Hymenopterous insects, held last Saturday in Granada, Spain.

Greenhouse labourers are quite susceptible to becoming allergic to the sting of these insects. "They are more exposed to being stung, and consequently, the number of allergic reactions is also greater," adds the doctor. Allergists are not concerned about the prevalence of this type of allergy, but on the potential severity of its symptoms.

"The allergic reactions caused by the bumblebee sting are similar to those brought about by other hymenopterous species. The most common symptoms are: reddening, itchiness and intense swelling in the area affected, and even widespread reactions that can be really severe," alerts the allergist.

Specialists recommend not trivialising any symptoms felt after being stung and to always pay a visit to an allergist. The goal is to make an accurate diagnosis to establish a treatment through inmunotherapy (vaccines) and provide patients with emergency treatments, like adrenaline injections.

Source: europapress