For patients with severe bee venom allergy, what therapy reduces sensitivity to future bee stings?

• A. Antihistamines
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Venom immunotherapy

Answer: (D)

Bee venom immunotherapy lowers future sensitivity by retraining the immune system to tolerate the venom. Through a controlled, gradually increasing exposure, the body shifts its response from IgE-mediated reactions to pathways that produce blocking antibodies (and regulatory tolerance), reducing the risk and severity of systemic reactions if stung again. This disease-modifying approach is specific to venom allergies, unlike antihistamines (which only alleviate symptoms), epinephrine (emergency treatment for anaphylaxis), or antibiotics (not related to venom sensitivity).