Title: Bee sting allergy: Symptoms, causes, and treatment
Headings: What to know about bee sting allergies
What to know about bee sting allergies
How common are bee sting allergies?
Causes of the allergic reaction
How do I know if I am allergic to bee stings?
Symptoms
Mild reaction
Moderate allergic reaction
Severe allergic reaction
Treatment for bee sting allergies
Treating a mild to moderate reaction
Treating a severe reaction
Long-term treatment
Preventing bee sting allergies
Outlook

Content: Many people who react to insect stings will experience a mild to moderate allergic reaction in the form of localized redness and swelling. For a small minority of people, the allergic reaction can be much more severe, requiring emergency medical treatment. Fatal reactions are rare. The venom of honeybees, paper wasps, and yellow jackets tend to cause the most severe allergic reactions. Bees, wasps, and fire ants most commonly cause systemic allergic reactions, which spread all over the body, including the skin and respiratory system. Causes of the allergic reaction
When a bee stings, its sharp, barbed stinger remains lodged in the skin. This stinger can release venom for up to a minute after the bee has stung. Bee venom contains proteins that affect the skin cells and immune system, resulting in pain and swelling at the site of the sting, even if a person is not allergic to the venom. In those who are allergic to bee stings, the venom triggers a more severe immune system reaction. These people may not have an allergic reaction the first time they are stung but may have an allergic reaction to a second bee sting.