Allergy care pathway for venom allergy

Venom allergy is an immediate reaction to a venom. This is one of several allergy care pathways, which tell health professionals what they need to know in order to provide the best care possible.

About

The College's care pathway for venom allergy is presented in two parts:

  • an algorithm with the stages of ideal care, and
  • a set of competences required to diagnose, treat and optimally manage venom allergy.

The algorithm has numbers which correspond to the competences outlined within the body of the document.

We recommend that this pathway is implemented locally by a multidisciplinary team with a focus on creating networks between staff in primary and community healthcare, social care, education and hospital-based practice to improve services for children with allergic conditions. All specialists should have paediatric training.

Download the full RCPCH care pathway for children with venom allergy below.

Definition

Venom allergy is defined as an immune-mediated (immediate onset) reaction to a venom. This pathway covers bee and wasp venom allergy, which are the most common.