Diseases

Insect Sting Allergies

Back

Insect sting allergy is the term commonly given to the allergic response of an animal in response to the bite or sting of an insect. Typically, insects which generate allergic responses are either stinging insects (wasps, bees, hornets and ants) or biting insects (mosquitoes, ticks).

SYMPTOMS

Severe swelling of the face, lips, or throat., hives or itching in areas of the body not affected by the sting., breathing difficulties, such as wheezing or gasping., dizziness., sudden drop in blood pressure., lightheadedness., loss of consciousness., nausea or vomiting.

CAUSES

Stings from five insects - honeybees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets and fire ants - are known to cause allergic reactionsto the venom injected into the skin. While most people are not allergic to insect venom, the pain from a sting maycause them to mistake a normal reaction for an allergic one.