A normal reaction to an insect sting is pain, swelling, and redness confined to the sting site. A large local reaction may occur and extend beyond the sting site. For example, a sting on the forearm could result in swelling of the entire arm to twice its normal size. Although alarming, this condition is often treated the same as a normal reaction. Serious allergic reactions may include:

• Hives, itching, and swelling in areas other than the sting site
• Chest tightness and difficulty breathing
• Hoarse voice or tongue swelling
• Dizziness or sharp drop in blood pressure
• Unconsciousness or cardiac arrest

How allergic reactions are treated:

Emergency treatment of serious reactions, such as with epinephrine, which can be life saving.

The second step is preventive treatment of the underlying allergy, with venom immunotherapy. This is a highly effective program, administered by an allergist/immunologist, and can prevent future allergic reactions to insect stings.

Ask your physician to refer you to an allergist/immunologist for review of your history, to determine whether testing is required, and if so, whether insect venom immunotherapy should be initiated.