| There are some people who are allergic to insect | | | | about treatment options. |
| stings; this means that their immune systems | | | | Insect-sting or insect-bite venom can be among the |
| overreact to the venom injected by a stinging insect. | | | | most dangerous allergens. Most people who are stung |
| The venom of stinging insects contains several | | | | by bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps and fire ants |
| chemicals which, when introduced through a sting, | | | | have little to fear. At worst, these individuals may |
| triggers the release of histamine causing local tissue | | | | experience mild pain, swelling and itching at the site |
| damage and other chemicals that cause allergic | | | | of the sting. An individual does not suffer an allergic |
| symptoms. After the first sting, the allergic person's | | | | reaction the first time they are stung by an insect. |
| body produces an allergic substance called | | | | Instead, the initial encounter leads to sensitization, in |
| Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, which reacts with | | | | which the immune system overreacts to the insect |
| the insect venom. If he or she is stung again by an | | | | venom and creates immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies |
| insect of the same or similar species, the insect | | | | to fight it. These antibodies trigger an allergic reaction |
| venom interacts with the IgE antibody produced in | | | | the next time the body encounters the insect |
| response to the earlier sting. | | | | venom. |
| The resulting tissue damage is largely responsible for | | | | The next time a person is stung, these antibodies |
| the pain, swelling, redness, and itching that we | | | | cause mast cells to release chemicals such as |
| experience at the site of a sting. Although most local | | | | histamine, which can cause inflammation within the |
| reactions are mild and cause swelling and inflammation | | | | body. Highly allergic individuals may experience |
| localized around the sting site, the area of swelling | | | | anaphylaxis, in which fluid leaks from the bloodstream |
| and inflammation can be quite large. For example, one | | | | into the tissues, causing swelling and lowering blood |
| may be stung on the finger, yet the swelling may | | | | pressure. Bronchial tissues may also swell, causing |
| progress to include the entire arm. Both of these | | | | breathing difficulties. Stinging insects found in the |
| reactions, by virtue of the fact that they are | | | | United States include honeybees, yellow jackets, |
| contiguous with the sting site, are considered local | | | | hornets, wasps, and fire ants. While not everyone is |
| allergic reactions. | | | | allergic to insect venom, reactions in the skin such as |
| For a small number of people with severe venom | | | | mild pain, swelling, and redness may occur with an |
| allergy, stings may be life-threatening; insects | | | | insect sting. Most sting reactions are caused by five |
| belonging to the class Hymenoptera are capable of | | | | types of insects: yellow jackets, honeybees, paper |
| injecting venom into humans and animals. Severe | | | | wasps, hornets and fire ants. |
| allergic reactions to insect stings can involve many | | | | However, those with allergies to the venom are likely |
| body organs and may develop rapidly. This reaction is | | | | to experience more pronounced effects. A mild |
| called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may | | | | allergic reaction may result in nausea, greater swelling |
| include itching and hives over large areas of the | | | | and other discomforts. At the other extreme, a rare |
| body, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty | | | | reaction called anaphylactic shock can impair breathing |
| breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea or | | | | and heart functions, leading to death in some victims. |
| diarrhea. In severe cases, a rapid fall in blood pressure | | | | Unfortunately, most people do not know that they |
| may result in shock and loss of consciousness. | | | | are allergic until after they experience an allergic |
| Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and may be | | | | reaction. It is better to destroy the hive or nest of |
| fatal. If you or anyone else experiences any of these | | | | the familiar insects causing the allergy. The insects |
| symptoms after an insect sting, obtain emergency | | | | usually bite when disturbed so it is better to move |
| medical treatment immediately. After your symptoms | | | | away slowly as you encounter any flying stinging |
| are treated in the emergency room, you should also | | | | insect. |
| obtain referral to an allergist/immunologist to learn | | | | |