Allergies Health Guide

All About Allergy

Insect Stings

Insect stings that most commonly cause allergic reactions:

Insects that are members of the Hymenoptera family most commonly cause allergic reactions. These include:

bees
wasps
hornets
yellow jackets
fire ants

Allergic reactions to insect stings:

Usually, the reaction is short-lived, with redness and swelling followed by pain and itching. Generally, the reaction lasts only a few hours, although some may last longer.

For other people, however, allergic reactions to these insect stings can be life threatening. This severe reaction is a medical emergency that can involve organ systems throughout the body. The reaction is called anaphylaxis and can include severe symptoms such as:

itching and hives over most of the body
swelling of the throat and tongue
difficulty in breathing
dizziness
headache
stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea
rapid fall in blood pressure
shock
loss of consciousness.

Immediate medical attention is required.

Can insect stings be prevented?

Avoidance of insects is the best preventive measure. Suggestions include:

When outdoors, be careful of eating or drinking uncovered foods or beverages, which can attract insects.
Avoid going barefoot, and wear closed-toe shoes when walking in grassy areas.
When gardening, watch for nests in trees, shrubs, and flower beds.
Other areas in which to use caution: swimming pools, woodpiles, under eaves of houses, trash containers.

How may insect stings be treated?

Specific treatment for insect stings will be determined by your physician(s) based on:

your overall health and medical history
extent of the reaction
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the reaction
your opinion or preference

Suggestions for immediate treatment for highly-allergic people, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, include:

When possible, immediately remove stinger, and scrape over the area with a fingernail. However, do not squeeze the area, which may force the venom into the body.

An emergency treatment kit should be kept nearby at all times. Talk with your physician about what it should include.

Seek emergency care as soon as possible.

This page was last updated on: February 6, 2008.

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