Bees, Ants, and Wasps

Signs and Symptoms of a Sting

The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. A normal reaction will result in pain, swelling and redness around the sting site. A large local reaction includes swelling and redness beyond the sting site. Although frightening in appearance, these large local reactions will go away over several days.

The most serious reaction to an insect sting is an allergic one. Any of these reactions requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction or “anaphylaxis” may include one or more of the following:

• Hives, itching or swelling in an area other than the sting site.
• Tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing.
• Hoarse voice or swelling of the tongue.
• Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure.
• Unconsciousness or cardiac arrest.

This type of reaction can occur within minutes after the sting and may be life-threatening. People who have already experienced an allergic reaction to an insect sting have a good chance of a similar or worse reaction if stung again by the same type of insect. If you have severe allergies to any insect, always carry with you appropriate medicine prescribed by your physician.

Treatment

Call the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center at 800-222-1222 to get first-aid instructions and determine if the victim needs further medical care.