Large Local Reactions to Hymenoptera Stings Negatively Affect Quality of Life to the Same Degree as Systemic Reactions

Abstract

Reactions to Hymenoptera venom usually produce pain, pruritus, erythema, and mild inflammation at the site of the sting. Some patients present a large local reaction (LLR), which leads to inflammation greater than 10 cm in diameter and lasts for between 24 hours and 5-10 days. Quality-of-life questionnaires are useful tools in daily clinical practice. In the case of Hymenoptera allergy, Oude Elberink et al. developed a quality-of-life questionnaire for patients who experience systemic reactions following Hymenoptera stings (Vespid Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire [VQLQ]). Between 2008 and 2015, the Hymenoptera Allergy Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEIAC) undertook the translation into Spanish and subsequent cultural adaptation of the VQLQ, as well as a cross-sectional and longitudinal validation.