Stings and Anaphylaxis
Stinging insect allergies result when a sensitive individual is stung by a bee, wasp, hornet, yellow jacket, or fire ant. The reaction usually occurs soon after the initial sting and may include wheezing, generalized hives, angioedema, and a sharp drop in blood pressure. The victim may also go into shock and lose consciousness. If not treated immediately, severe reactions may be fatal.
Avoidance is the best strategy for someone with this type of sensitivity. Anyone who has an adverse reaction should consult an allergist for skin testing.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include feelings of impending doom or fright, itching of the skin, nasal congestion and coughing, hives and swelling of tissues in the lips or larynx, wheezing, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. The person’s eyes may also itch, swell, and tear. Other symptoms include change of voice, hoarseness, itching of the mouth and throat, sneezing, chest pain and tightness, redness of the skin, cramping of the uterus, a feeling of warmth and flushing, a need to urinate, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.