Insect sting allergy is the development of an allergic reaction to the sting of insects including honeybees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants. Most cases of insect stings do not cause an allergic reaction but may cause local pain, irritation, and swelling.
The most serious type of allergic reaction to an insect sting is anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock. These reactions can be life-threatening and are associated with symptoms such as
- swelling of the tongue,
- hoarseness,
- difficulty breathing, and
- loss of consciousness.
Other symptoms and signs of an insect sting allergy may include
Cause of an insect sting allergy
In some people, a true allergic reaction develops, caused by an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE).
Other insect sting allergy symptoms and signs
- Difficulty Breathing
- Hives
- Hoarseness
- Itching
- Loss of Consciousness
- Skin Flushing (Redness)
- Swelling of the Tongue
- Tingling or Itching Feeling Inside the Mouth
Main Article on Insect Sting Allergy Symptoms and Signs
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Examples of Medications for Insect Sting Allergy Symptoms and Signs
- Adrenaclick (epinephrine)
- Antihistamine Shots (Injections)
- Antihistamines (Oral)
- betamethasone
- bitolterol mesylate
- chlorpheniramine
- cortisone
- cyproheptadine
- diphenhydramine
- Does Immunotherapy Work for Allergies?
- epinephrine injection (Auvi-Q)
- EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector)
- ipratropium
- levocetirizine
- loratadine
- Polmon (dexchlorpheniramine maleate)
- pseudoephedrine
- quercetin
- Side Effects of Periactin (cyproheptadine)
- sodium chloride intranasal
- Symjepi (epinephrine)
- triamcinolone
References
Jameson, J. Larry, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.