Definition

It’s normal for the body to react to an insect sting. How can we tell a normal reaction from an allergic one?

When a person with normal sensitivity to insect venom is stung by a bee or wasp, the insect injects its venom into the person’s skin, resulting in a normal immune defense – swelling, pain and itching around the sting. This is usually not dangerous and the symptoms disappear within a few days. Only stings to the throat or head, or many stings at once (more than 50) are dangerous to people without insect-sting allergies.

If a person allergic to insect stings is stung, the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction can appear within seconds. In the worst cases, this allergy can be life-threatening.

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