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June 19, 2013
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Allergy: Insect Sting (cont.)

Medical Author:
Paul A Janson, MD
Coauthor:
Mary Buechler, MD, Deaconess-Glover
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Richard Harrigan, MD

Insect Sting Allergy Symptoms

  • Most insect stings cause some pain and swelling in the area of the sting, called a local reaction.

    • People who are allergic to bee stings or who have been stung many times may react more dramatically.
    • A severe local reaction may lead to pain and swelling that increase over the next few hours and becoming very uncomfortable. This does not constitute an anaphylactic reaction. The reaction must involve at least 2 of your body's organ systems (such as lungs and heart) to qualify as an anaphylactic reaction.
    • Although most local reactions are not serious, if they are near the face or neck, swelling can quickly block the airway and cause serious problems.

  • Fire ant stings

    • Fire ant stings cause a reaction in almost everyone.
    • Itchy hives usually form at the site immediately and recede within an hour.
    • A small blister forms at each site within 4 hours.
    • Within 8-24 hours, a small sore with pus forms at each sting site. The area around the sores may feel burning and itchy. The pus does not mean the sore is infected.
    • The sores rupture within 72 hours. The itching, pain, and redness may last for several days but should improve gradually.
    • Worsening redness, pain, swelling, and warmth may signal an infection at the site. If this occurs, see your health care provider right away.

  • Symptoms over the entire body are always a concern because they may signal an anaphylactic reaction. If these reactions progress, they may lead to death, sometimes within a matter of minutes. These reactions may include the following:

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Anaphylaxis »

Portier and Richet first coined the term anaphylaxis in 1902 when a second vaccinating dose of sea anemone toxin caused a dog's death.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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