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Insect Allergy and Anaphylaxis

© Colleen Kaemmerer

One summer evening when I was in my late teens, I realized that one of my forearms had swelled quite noticeably, although I felt fine otherwise. Concerned, I went to the doctor the next morning. The swelling was a reaction to an insect sting, but was considered a normal reaction, not an allergic one.

So, what's the difference?

A normal (local) reaction to an insect sting results in redness, pain, itching, and swelling at the sting site. For example, a swollen forearm due to a sting on the forearm is usually considered a large local reaction. Your physician may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve discomfort, though. Otherwise, treatment primarily consists of removing the stinger (if one is embedded) and cleaning the wound.

Most people are not allergic to insect stings. However, those who are allergic need to seek medical attention if stung. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: hives and itching in areas of the body other than the sting site; tightness in the chest; difficulty breathing; hoarse voice; swelling of tongue.

Some allergic reactions can be life-threatening when the body goes into anaphylactic shock. Symptoms include: weakness; dizziness; difficulty breathing; high-pitched breathing; nausea and vomiting; abdominal cramps; unconsciousness. This is an emergency situation. Aside from insect stings, most other anaphylactic reactions are due to allergies to peanuts, nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, and sulfites. Individuals at risk carry injectable epinephrine with them at all times. In the case of severe insect allergy, patients sometimes undergo venom immunotherapy to reduce their risk of a life-threatening reaction. More information about anaphylaxis can be found at:

http://www.cadvision.com/allergy/3as.htm

http://allergy.mcg.edu/ALK/physinfo.html

Stinging insects include wasps, hornets, honeybees, yellow jackets, and fire ants. Some hints to (hopefully) avoid being stung are:

• Don't walk barefoot or wear sandals outdoors.
• Avoid perfume, hair spray, or brightly-colored clothes. (These attract insects.)
• Stay away from outdoor trash cans.
• Use caution when eating outside. Stinging insects are attracted to food and open soft drink cans; one may be inside the can you're drinking from without you realizing it.

The facts that I've discussed and other information about insect allergy and prevention can be found at:

http://allergy.mcg.edu/advice/stings.html

Have a safe summer!

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