Private MD News

Skateboarder death highlights importance of allergy lab tests

Category: Allergy Testing

Last week the skateboarding world was shocked when it heard the news of Andy Kessler's death from an allergic reaction to an insect bite.

Kessler was described as a pioneer of the sport, building skate parks and finding time to mentor younger skaters. And while he found ways to help people in life, his death is proving to do the same through raising the awareness of people getting a lab test to check for an insect allergy.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, up to 5 percent of Americans are at risk for a severe allergic reaction from insect stings.

However, most people are unaware of their condition until after they have been bitten. In Kessler's case, it was too late given the severity of this allergy.

In the U.S. some of the most common stinging insects include yellow jackets, honeybees, hornets and fire ants.

People who are concerned about their health may want to look into getting an online lab test to see if they are allergic to these insects.