Insect Sting Allergy

An insect sting can be painful and uncomfortable, but for some people, a sting from a bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket can cause a serious allergic reaction. An insect venom allergy occurs when the immune system reacts strongly to venom from a stinging insect, and symptoms may range from swelling and hives to anaphylaxis. Knowing the difference between a normal sting reaction, a large local reaction, and a systemic allergic reaction can help you know when to seek allergy care and when to act quickly in an emergency. At Allergy & Asthma Physicians of Commerce Township, we evaluate sting reactions and offer venom testing at our Commerce Township and Mount Clemens offices.

What Is an Insect Sting Allergy?

Insect venom allergies are most commonly associated with bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants. After a sting, your immune system may release chemicals that cause symptoms ranging from localized swelling to a potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

A large local reaction can cause swelling that extends beyond the sting site and may be uncomfortable or alarming, but it is not the same as anaphylaxis and does not always mean you have an insect venom allergy. Our team can review the timing, severity, and location of your symptoms to help determine your risk and whether venom allergy testing is appropriate.

Normal Reaction vs. Allergic Reaction

A normal reaction usually causes pain, redness, itching, and swelling around the sting. These symptoms generally remain near the sting site and improve over time.

A serious allergic reaction can affect more than one part of the body. Symptoms may include widespread hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, flushing, coughing, wheezing, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or difficulty breathing. A severe allergic reaction can develop quickly and requires emergency treatment.

Symptoms of a Severe Reaction

Signs of anaphylaxis may include:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Widespread hives or severe itching
• Dizziness, fainting, or weakness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or severe abdominal symptoms
• A feeling that something is seriously wrong

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction after an insect sting, use your epinephrine auto-injector immediately if it has been prescribed for you, then call 911. Do not wait to see whether symptoms improve.

How Do We Diagnose Insect Venom Allergy?

Your evaluation begins with a detailed history of the sting, including which insect may have caused it, how quickly symptoms developed, and whether symptoms stayed near the sting site or affected other parts of the body. If your reaction suggests a possible venom allergy, we may recommend venom allergy testing, which may include skin testing and/or blood testing for venom-specific IgE, to help identify sensitivity to specific insect venoms and guide your treatment plan.

Treatment for Insect Venom Allergy

If you have a confirmed venom allergy, we may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector and teach you when and how to use it.

How Can I Avoid Insect Stings?

You can reduce your risk by taking simple precautions:

• Wear shoes outdoors, especially on grass.
• Avoid brightly colored clothing and strong perfumes when spending time outdoors.
• Keep food and drinks covered when eating outside.
• Be cautious around garbage cans and areas where insects gather.
• Do not swat at or disturb stinging insects.
• Have your epinephrine auto-injector available if it has been prescribed.

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Medically reviewed by Pulin P. Patel, DO, FACAAI

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, use epinephrine if prescribed and call 911 immediately.