Family Center for Asthma and Allergic Diseases

  • Home
  • Stinging Insect Allergy

Stinging Insect Allergy

Most of us develop redness and swelling at the site of an insect bite. Yet people who are allergic to stinging insect venom are at risk for a much more serious reaction. This life-threatening reaction is called anaphylaxis.

Understanding differences in symptoms between a normal reaction and an allergic reaction can bring peace of mind. It is also important to have an accurate diagnosis so you can manage your condition and be prepared for an emergency.

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen. In stinging insect allergy, the allergen is venom from a sting. Most serious reactions are caused by five types of insects:

When you get stung by a bee, but don’t have a bee sting allergy, only a mild reaction would likely take place. Here are some of the symptoms associated with a mild reaction:

For those who are unfortunate enough, there are more severe signs and symptoms to look out for when you are allergic to bee stings. This includes:

Symptoms for a severe allergic reaction should not be ignored. Seek medical treatment immediately.