Insect Allergy Blood Test
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Insect Bites & Stings Allergy
Home > Tests and Diagnostics > Allergy Testing in Birmingham >Insect bites and stings are a particular annoyance during the summer months, however, for some, the thought of being bitten or stung may cause considerable anxiety. An allergic reaction to a bite or sting can cause symptoms ranging from rashes, hives, swelling or stomach pain, to shortness of breath, fainting or full anaphylaxis.
If you have noticed any symptoms that suggest an allergic reaction after being stung or bitten by a bug and think you may be suffering from an insect bite allergy, at Midland Health we can offer a wide range of allergy tests to confirm the diagnosis. Book your GP appointment at our clinic today to discuss allergy testing and treatment options with your doctor, during your GP Consultation our experienced Doctors will advise which test is most suitable for you.
Before doing any allergy tests, we will set up an initial consultation with one of our doctors, who will ask you about your medical history to find out whether you have any predisposition to various allergic conditions that could be hereditary. During the Consultation, our experienced doctors will advise you on the most suitable allergy test for you.
Insect Bite Allergy Symptoms
When you get bitten or sprung by an insect, the normal reaction of the body is to develop a small swollen lump on the skin that gets red, itchy and sometimes painful. If you are not allergic, the swelling should go down on its own and the symptoms should disappear within a couple of days. Sometimes it may take just a few hours to see an improvement and other times - a little longer, but the symptoms will be contained within the immediate area of the bite and will only cause minor discomfort.
If you have an insect bite allergy, you will exhibit symptoms more severe than those expected of a normal bug bite. You could have two types of allergic reactions:
- Mild/localised allergic reaction: If you are suffering from a mild insect bite allergy, the symptoms are the same as the normal bug bite symptoms - swelling and redness of the skin, pain and itchiness. However, the difference is that the affected area of the skin goes beyond the exact spot where you got bitten or stung and is a lot larger than normal (more than 10 cm). In this case, symptoms generally pass within a week.
- Severe/generalised allergic reaction: If you have a severe allergy to insect bites or stings, you may experience severe symptoms immediately. Those include swelling of the face and the mouth, difficulties breathing, abnormal heart rate and dizziness. This is called anaphylaxis and is considered a medical emergency. If those symptoms occur, seek medical help immediately.
If you or someone else around you is showing signs of a severe allergic reaction and you have an EpiPen at your disposal, use it and call a doctor immediately after. If you don’t have epinephrine available, call 999 immediately, as this could be a life-threatening situation.
Insect Bite Allergy Treatment
There is no specific treatment for insect bite/sting allergy, so the condition cannot be cured. However, it can be managed successfully using allergy shots (immunotherapy) and the insect bite allergy symptoms can be treated using various methods, as well.
Mild allergy symptoms may be treatable with antihistamine tablets or topical medication, such as special creams. If you are diagnosed with a severe insect bite allergy, you may be required to carry an epinephrine pen in case of anaphylaxis.
During your appointment at Midland Health, your GP will talk you through your options to put your mind at ease.
Insect Bite Allergy Diagnosis
Usually, people will seek insect bite allergy testing after having experienced worrying symptoms caused by a bug bite or sting. Your Midland Health GP will discuss your concerns and ask you questions about your medical history to find out probable signs of an allergy.
If your doctor suspects you might have an insect allergy, they may offer allergy testing at the Midland Health clinic.
Our GPs can administer allergy testing so you will be in the care of your doctor the whole time
Speak to us today to book your appointment at Midland Health!
What Our Patients Say About Us
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Its very good clinic and Dr Bhavik it’s very friendly ,I’m very happy for this consultation thanke you ❤️😘😘😘
Gesta Metaj | 2nd Feb 2023
Midland Health
Great service overall. I highly recommend it.
Alejandro Garcia Rosellon | 11th Jan 2023
Midland Health
Honestly not sure at first but less hassle, than my own doctor i didn't feel like I was on the clock and sadly at my NHS doctor I do. if you have genuine health needs and time is...
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Midland Health
Everything was perfect and fast I like this place
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Midland Health
Excellent services, very friendly and polite staff. Would highly recommend to friends and family. Overall satisfied, will be going back for other health concerns and advice. Thank you
Amliah S | 13th Dec 2022
Midland Health
I first consulted a lady GP here earlier this year and I was pleased with how she investigated my case. Recently I consulted Dr Kasparis, the Dermatologist on the recommendation of that GP. I had seen another Dermatologist previously but was not...
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Midland Health
As a general rule, doctors tend to make very bad patients and I am no exception. But my recent experience at Midland Health in Birmingham, was really first-class. Briefly, I had developed a small lesion – rather like...
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Midland Health
I went to see Dr Christos Kasparis about a couple of ongoing skin issues to which had been treated by NHS before but had sadly relapsed, and waiting times were over a year. Here, I was seen within 3 weeks...
Mark Withers | 24th Nov 2022
Midland Health
I often use Midland Health and on this occasion I went to see Dr Parmar with a gynecological concern. She was excellent in knowledge advice and service. I had an ultrasound organised within 24hrs and the results the same day....
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Midland Health
Outstanding From the moment I sent the first email with our enquiry to the moment we left our appointment. The staff we have dealt with have been super efficient and very professional We are very impressed with this clinic and would highly recommend. Emails...
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Midland Health
They gave me the appointment so quickly. All the starts for the guy who made the blood test. Absolutely perfect , no pain and so quickly done . a bit expensive but staff amazing and results came back in time
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Midland Health
Dr Pav Dhesi was very professional, detailed and helpful, I would definitely recommend this service.
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Midland Health
Very easy to organise PCR test for my daughter before travelling. The service from start to finish was professional, helpful and customer - focused. I would highly recommend Midland Health and would use again in future.
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Midland Health
Fantastic Service - got a very quick appointment and couldn’t do enough for me. Highly recommend
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Midland Health
Fast and efficient service in very pleasant surroundings from friendly and helpful staff at a reasonable cost. I have used this service several times now for travelling PCR/Antigen tests. The results came through in a few hours, which...
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Midland Health
I really enjoyed my visit here it was very warm and welcoming. My visit here was made special thanks to Verona who was very kind and in all honestly I was having a bad week in general her kindness and...
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Midland Health
I had a Paediatric Ultrasound done for my daughter today on the mastoid bone I can't thank the lady enough she made us feel at ease during my daughters ultrasound she talked us through everything we left very happy I...
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Midland Health
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RX L | 22nd Aug 2022
Midland Health
Excellent service. Referred myself for an ultrasound scan on my achilles tendon. Very pleasant environment, knowledgeable staff, good value for money and piece of mind for me.
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Midland Health
Professional and clean. Helpful staff and well equipped clinic.
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Midland Health
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Mohammad Abu | 6th Jul 2022
Midland Health
I came to Midland Health for the new Rhinolight treatment, it consisted of 6 treatments over the course of two weeks (1 treatment every other day). The treatment itself was quick and painless, it has massively helped my allergies since...
Zuryte | 4th Jul 2022
Midland Health
Just completed the 6 session rhinolight therapy since I've had severe hayfever since I was young and every other medication (over the counter and prescription) had stopped working a long time ago for me. I definitely can feel a massive...
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Midland Health
I had my double PCR and antigen done at Midland Health Birmingham. Firstly the staff were very helpful answering my many emails before the tests to reassure my travel arrangements. Secondly the staff in the clinic were friendly and efficient....
Jolene Neil | 29th Jun 2022
Midland Health
The best private clinic. I highly recommend it
Roxana Rotaru | 31st May 2022
Midland Health
Excellent service, I would definitely recommend Midland Health. I had not used them previously but my friend has used them for a PCR test to travel. I needed a supervised Antigen test so booked an appointment for 3pm. We were seen...
Annette Williams | 30th May 2022
Midland Health
Paid for a private consult with the ENT for my toddler due to speech delay and tongue tie and the NHS waiting times being very long. Dr. Parmar was thoughtful, kind, and patient even when my toddler was not. He...
Trina Luciano | 23rd May 2022
Midland Health
I used the Edgbaston Clinic. Easy to use booking system & I was able to get an appointment the following day to fit with my schedule. Great instructions and clinic contact after the booking. Lovely facilities with easy parking access....
Pilates Studio Owner | 23rd May 2022
Midland Health
I made an appointment after feeling let down by my NHS GP. I had a video consultation and following this I was advised to come into the clinic. I was made to feel welcome and comfortable. The Dr I saw...
Sherisha Richards | 16th May 2022
Midland Health
I found Midland Health to be first class. I was able to get an appointment very quickly for an ECG and then a competent GP to explain it to me. Altogether I was delighted with the service and would recommend...
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Midland Health
Took my toddler there for a next day booking appointment, and it was a very uplifting experience for us. Very nice doctor, absolutely fantastic with our child, very gentle. It will help her not be scared of doctors anymore.
aidosirak | 6th May 2022
Midland Health
I would highly highly recommend your Edgbaston clinic especially Dr Dhesi. She was amazing! So caring kind and made sure my visit was as comfortable as possible. Incredible service!
Emma Mcdonald | 3rd May 2022
Midland Health
We took our 8 week old son to see Mr Amit Parmar (ENT Surgeon) with regards to a suspected tongue tie. It turns out he had a moderate tie and we chose to have it cut on the day of the...
Marie Holmes | 28th Apr 2022
Midland Health
5 stars is only one rate I could give for so friendly and professional help received from Dr Dhesi and reception staff. Thank you
mateusz szostak | 23rd Apr 2022
Midland Health
it was very easy to book appointment with specialist due to our concerns with our young son where GP was telling us it would 6 -9 months before NHS specialist could see him, we were seen within week at Midland...
Mo Shafiq | 13th Apr 2022
Midland Health
The centrea staff are very friendly and they send very quickly the result of the test I recommend every one to chose this centre.
Shah Hemmat | 6th Apr 2022
Midland Health
Professional and affordable. I got my lateral flow test here for my holiday. I received my results very quickly. The building is lovely too. Would recommend. I'll be booking my mom in next
Arousa N | 26th Mar 2022
Midland Health
Visited Midland Health to take the two PCR tests required for travel to China. Location easy to find, easy check in, under a minutes wait to be shown into the surgery by the doctor, tests taken and results back same...
Steve Bisney | 15th Mar 2022
Midland Health
We needed a health certificate urgently, so booked an appointment with Midland Health. Got the first appointment at 10a.m. They phoned at exactly 10. The lady was very clear and helpful with the information she needed. ...
Sue Heath | 15th Mar 2022
Midland Health
Easy to make appointment, staff was very friendly and my rapid PCR test results came on time and was able to fly to USA. I thank you for your service, very much appreciated.
1963ike | 7th Mar 2022
Midland Health
Prices
Standard GP Consultation
£130
(30 min)
FAQ
Can I build a tolerance to bug bites over time?
In some cases, it may be possible to build tolerance and reduce the likelihood of a severe reaction to bug bites and stings by using immunotherapy – a process that involves getting allergy shots at regular intervals.
What's an epinephrine pen and do I need one?
An epinephrine pen or an EpiPen is an autoinjector tool used to administer epinephrine in a medical emergency. It helps reduce the symptoms of anaphylaxis – it normalises breathing, stimulates the heart rate, reduces the swelling of the face and throat, and raises dropping blood pressure.
If you have ever exhibited a severe allergic reaction, you should always have an epinephrine pen with you at all times. Your doctor will be able to give you a prescription for the medication.
What is the most common insect bite allergy in the UK?
The wasp sting is the most common bite allergy in the UK and it is something you should look out for especially in the summer months.
What other insect bite allergies can I have?
Wasp sting allergy and mosquito sting allergy are the most widely spread bug bite allergies but you can also experience allergic symptoms when being bitten by other insects, such as spiders, fleas, lice, fire ants, ticks and more.
How do I avoid being stung?
You can never fully avoid insects but there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of getting bitten or stung by an insect including:
- Wear long sleeves, trousers and shoes
- If you see an insect, stay calm and move away slowly to avoid irritating it
- Apply insect repellent
- Avoid strong perfumes, soaps and bright-coloured clothing as they attract insects
- Stay alert when moving near plants, bins and other areas where insects may be present
What should I do if I get bitten or stung?
If you experience a severe reaction caused by an insect allergy, such as wheezing, swelling of the throat, face and lips, feeling sick and dizziness – use your EpiPen if you have one and call 999 immediately.
If you are worried about a mild allergic reaction, or the area is getting infected, or if you have been stung near the eyes or throat, seek medical advice.
If you have been stung or bitten by an insect and you have no allergic reaction, you can wash the area with soap and water, place ice on the spot to reduce swelling and avoid scratching to reduce the chances of getting an infection.
We have translators available for your appointment.
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