Title: Overview of Bee Sting Reactions and Allergies
Headings: Overview of Bee Sting Reactions and Allergies
Overview of Bee Sting Reactions and Allergies
Overview
Risk Factors
Signs and Symptoms
Insects That Cause Venom Allergies
Honeybees
Africanized (Killer) Honeybees
Bumblebees
Yellow Jackets
Hornets
Wasps
Prevention
Testing
Who Should be Tested
Immediate Treatment of Acute Reactions
Treatment of Future Reactions
After Allergy Shots for Bee Allergy
The Bottom Line

Content: What's more, the ACAAI reports that about between 90 and 100 people die from insect sting anaphylaxis each year. 2 ﻿
Risk Factors
Anyone can have a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting. Those who had a systemic reaction previously to a sting are at higher risk of a life-threatening reaction. 3 ﻿
Signs and Symptoms
An anaphylactic reaction to an insect sting—meaning a severe reaction that can be life-threatening—can happen within minutes and can cause any or all of the following symptoms, usually within a matter of minutes to a couple of hours: 4 ﻿
Itching over the entire body
Hives or swelling that spread from the site of the sting
Flushing (reddening of the skin)
A runny nose, sneezing, or postnasal drip
Itchy, watery eyes
Swelling of the lips, tongue, and/or throat
Shortness of breath, wheezing, and/or coughing
Stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Lightheadedness, increase in heart rate, low blood pressure, or passing out
A sense of panic or sense of impending doom
A metallic taste in the mouth
Insects That Cause Venom Allergies
Besides bees (including honeybees, Africanized honeybees, and bumblebees), there are other flying insects that can sting or bite and, in people who are predisposed to them, cause an allergic reaction. These creatures all belong to the order Hymenoptera: yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants. It's more important at the moment to seek medical attention for a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting than to identify which bug was responsible. But it can be helpful in general to recognize insects that can cause an anaphylactic reaction and know a bit about their habits (where they nest, for instance) so you can avoid them. 2 ﻿
Honeybees
Honeybees commonly nest in tree hollows, logs or inside buildings.