Stinging Insect

Allergies to stings result mainly from insects in the order Hymenoptera. This includes bees (honey bees and bumble bees) and vespids (wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets). Reactions can vary from mild to life-threatening.

Reactions

Mild or "normal reactions"

• Pain, swelling, and redness in the area
• Normally only last hours, may be present for days

Large Local Reactions

• More significant swelling and redness extending from the area of the sting
• May last up to a week or more
• Occasionally patients experience fatigue, nausea, and overall unwell feeling
• These reactions are not considered life-threatening and rarely progress to more serious reactions

Anaphylaxis (Systemic Reactions)

• Can be life-threatening
• Common symptoms include hives, flushing, and swelling
• More severe symptoms include difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, unconsciousness, and shock

* For patients who have experienced anaphylaxis, it is extremely important to be evaluated and possibly skin tested for stinging insects as venom immunotherapy is a very successful treatment.

* If testing is positive, venom immunotherapy is recommended.