Stings from insects such as wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, bees, and fire ants (present in the southern United States), can result in allergic reactions.
Symptoms of allergic reactions to stinging insects include hives or swelling (sometimes even in areas away from the sting site), chest tightness/wheezing, constriction of the throat, dizziness/low blood pressure, as well loss of consciousness. If you have experienced an allergic reaction to an insect sting, there is a 60% chance that it will happen again with a subsequent sting.
The treatment of insect sting allergy includes avoidance, the use of epinephrine (either via autoinjector or nasal spray), and allergy shots (immunotherapy). Allergy shots are a highly effective way to prevent future insect sting reactions. Within several months, you can escape from the constant fear of life-threatening insect sting reactions and resume a normal lifestyle.
