Stinging Insect Allergies
Insect Stings
Insect Stings are such a common problem during the summer that almost everyone has been stung at some time in their lives. Most of these stings are mild annoyances with itching, pain, and swelling at the point of the sting. However, stings are life-threatening to those people-between .4% and .8% of the population-who are allergic to insect venom. Each year at least 40 people die from a reaction to an insect bite.
Local reactions can range from a swollen arm or leg to a small welt. These are natural responses to the enzymes and chemicals in the venom, and nothing to worry about. You can take an antihistamine to combat the itching, or try a folk remedy, such as milk, ammonia, Adolph's Meat Tenderizer or Clorox applied directly to the affected areas. Large local reactions may require steroids (cortisone) by mouth.
Children and adults who have local reactions to stings aren't at risk for severe systemic reactions, nor is there any need to worry when a child gets hives. (Adults who develop hives after a sting should be checked for insect allergy.)
Life-threatening reactions include the loss of consciousness, stridor (harsh breathing sounds), wheezing, a swollen throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, inability to talk, dizziness or fainting, or falling blood pressure. Anyone with these symptoms has a 60% chance of a similar reaction if stung again. The next reaction can come quicker and be more severe.
If you have had a systemic reaction to insect sting, you need a series of skin tests to determine if you are allergic, and if so, to what stinging insects. The dangerous stinging insects include honey bees, yellow jackets, both yellow and white faced hornets, wasps and fire ants. Some patients are allergic to all of them, some just to one. Regular injections will desensitize the insect allergy, cutting the likelihood of a systemic reaction to less than 3%. BACK TO TOP
Precautions
- Wear shoes while walking in the grass
- Avoid nests-garden with care
- Stay away from trash cans
- Avoid perfumes, scented cosmetics and bright-colored clothing, which seem to attract stinging insects.
- Avoid open footwear and loose-fitting clothes which can trap insects.
- Keep insecticide in the car in case an insect inadvertently gets inside.
- Don't do anything outdoors by yourself. You may need help seeking emergency treatment.
- Keep picnic foods covered... cover a soft drink can with a finger to prevent an insect from falling in.
- Keep your PI pen or Ana-Kit with you at all times. It won't do much good if you are at work or school and your emergency kit is at home.