UNDERSTANDING INSECT ALLERGIES

There are five insects whose stings are known to cause an allergic reaction: honeybees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants. The stings from these insects cause an acute physical reaction in most people, but for people with an insect sting allergy, the reaction can be severe. A normal reaction includes pain, swelling, and redness at the sting site. A large local reaction causes swelling that extends beyond the sting site. A true allergic reaction may result in symptoms that include whole-body hives, itching, and swelling; abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; chest tightness and difficulty breathing; swelling of the tongue or throat and difficulty swallowing; and a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can occur within minutes of a sting.

P.S. People who have had a true allergic reaction to an insect sting have a 60% chance of a worse reaction if stung again. These people should consider carrying an epinephrine shot (EpiPen) whenever they spend time outdoors.

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