Bee and wasp allergies can trigger itching, hives, nausea and, in worst cases, anaphylaxis.
Overview
What is an insect allergy?
Your body overreacts to the threat of insect venom and releases antibodies that cause the reaction.
Bees or wasps?
You could be allergic to bees, or wasps, or both.
What are the symptoms?
Range from general itching, hives and flushed skin to abdominal cramps, feeling weak and, in worst cases, anaphylaxis.
How do I know if I am allergic?
A simple blood test is all you need. Book yours now.
Did You Know?
Between 2 and 9 people die from bee or wasp stings each year. That is fewer than the number of people struck by lightning.
What is an insect allergy?
An insect allergy is triggered when your body mistakenly overreacts to the venom contained in a bee or wasp sting and releases antibodies to fight it. The venom of bees and wasps differs, but they share some common components. Depending on the component to which you are susceptible, you could be allergic to bees, or wasps, or both.
It is important to distinguish the normal effects of a wasp or bee sting from an allergy. You may feel pain at the site of the sting and redness around the area, or even experience a larger, hard swelling on the part of the body on which you are stung, but neither means you have an allergy. These are simply the result of your body effectively fighting the infection. An allergic reaction can be more severe, and in rare cases much more severe.
What are the symptoms of an insect allergy?
An insect allergy can affect a number of areas of the body, often at the same time. Severity varies, but symptoms usually appear within 10 minutes of being stung and may include:
- A general itching
- Flushed skin
- A raised, red, itchy rash anywhere on the body (hives)
- Increased heart rate
- Swollen tongue or throat
- Very large swelling at the site of the sting (e.g. your whole arm swells up)
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
Anaphylaxis: In the most severe cases, an insect allergy can trigger anaphylaxis. This combination of breathing difficulties and feeling faint is commonly called anaphylactic shock. It can lead to collapse, and it can be fatal if left untreated. If you suspect anaphylaxis, dial 999.
Treatment
The simplest ‘treatment’ is to avoid the insects to which you are allergic. Avoid areas if you know a nest is present, and take the following additional steps to reduce the possibility of attracting an insect:
- Be careful about eating or drinking outdoors (cooked foods and sweet drinks can attract bees and wasps)
- Do not walk barefoot or wear open-style footwear (e.g. flipflops or sandals)
- Do not wear brightly coloured clothing
- Do not wear perfume or aftershave
If you are stung, remove the stinger quickly if you can see it, but avoid squeezing the venom sac as this will pump more venom into the sting.
If you are at risk of a serious allergic reaction, talk to your GP about carrying an adrenaline auto-injector, which can help reduce the severity of an anaphylactic reaction.
How do I get tested?
Better2Know’s testing covers a wide range of insect allergies including:
- Common Wasp
- Yellow Jacket
- Bee
- Paper Wasp
- Yellow Hornet
- White Faced Hornet
The simple blood test results in a positive or negative result for each insect, so you can feel reassured about whether it poses a threat to you.
To book your test contact Better2Know now on the number above.