Allergies

Each and every year hundreds of thousands are people are stung by insects. These stings can result in a number of reactions that range from mild to severe. Individuals who are more sensitive and experience more severe reactions to these stings are described as having a stinging insect allergy. For the average person, the symptoms of a sting are usually confined to the skin, and can include swelling, itchiness, redness, and general skin irritation. Individuals are classified as allergic when their immune systems over react to the venom that is injected during the sting by the stinging insect. Post-sting, their bodies produce an allergic substance called Immunoglobulin E antibody. This antibody reacts with the venom that was injected by the insect. If the individual is stung once more, the venom reacts with the Immunoglobulin E antibody, and produces histamine. Histamine can cause a number of reactions in individuals.

Symptoms of Stinging Insect Allergy

Mild reactions to the insect’s venom usually present themselves much like any other allergy including general irritation of the skin in the form of rash, bumps and swelling. More severe reactions to the insect’s venom can be much more dangerous; even life-threatening. These symptoms generally appear very quickly after the sting, and can sometimes result in the very dangerous reaction, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis may include a number of different symptoms, including:

• Constriction of Airways in the throat and lungs
• Shock
• Severe Drop In Blood Pressure
• Heightened Pulse
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Loss Of Consciousness

Most deaths associated with anaphylaxis occur because medical attention was not pursued soon enough. If you believe you may be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, it is important that you seek medical help as soon as possible.
Identifying Stinging Insects

Because we never intend to be stung by an insect, it is important that anyone suffering from stinging insect allergy familiarize themselves with different types of stinging insects, and the stings they leave behind. Most reactions are caused by a handful of different insects including; honeybees, wasps, hornets, or ants. Individuals who suffer from stinging insect allergy are encouraged to keep a first aid kit that contains all of the necessary creams and ointments with them as often as possible (perhaps in vehicles), so they can properly treat any sting as soon as it occurs. Try to avoid wooded areas, or other areas where the insects are plentiful to ensure that you are not stung.

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