For the most part, bug bites or stings are more of an annoyance than anything else. They cause some swelling, itching, discomfort and pain along the site of the bite or sting. It's a normal reaction to the insect's venom as it enters the body. But some people are allergic to this venom, and it can cause anywhere from a mild to severe allergic response. Your reaction to the bite all depends on your level of sensitivity to the bug's venom.
Identification
Stinging insects usually incite the most severe allergic reactions and may even be life-threatening, notes the Mayo Clinic. These include wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, bees and fire ants. However, you can also suffer an allergic response to the bites of spiders, flies, ticks and even mosquitoes.
Mild Reactions
Mild reactions typically trigger swelling along the site of the bite or sting. The size of the swelling is usually larger than 2 inches in diameter, notes the Mayo Clinic. Swelling is often accompanied by nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Severe Reactions
The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at Penn State advises that the signs and symptoms of severe insect allergies usually begin within 15 to 30 minutes of the bite or sting. They often start off with itching and soon progress into hives, rash, swelling, congestion, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramping. You may also begin to experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips and throat, dizziness, faintness, confusion and rapid heartbeat.
Testing
If you suffer an allergic reaction to a insect bite or sting, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology recommends talking to an allergist. This type of medical professional can run the proper skin tests to better diagnose and treat your allergy. Once an insect's venom is determined to be an allergen, your doctor can administer a series of injections of this venom to desensitize you to its bite or sting. This form of immunotherapy typically begins with a very small dose and is increased each week over the course of 20 weeks, explains the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. At the end of the program, the dose of venom is much larger than what an insect could ever introduce into your body. Monthly boosters are needed to maintain your resistance, and you may actually be cured of the allergy after three to five years.
Treatment
For mild to moderate reactions, the Mayo Clinic suggests removing the stinger to avoid the release of additional venom. Wash the area to clean the bite or sting, and then elevate it or ice it to lessen pain and inflammation. Antihistamines and creams containing hydrocortisone can also help to reduce the signs and symptoms of a mild to moderate reaction.
For severe reactions, medical intervention is often necessary, so call 911 as soon as possible. If you have been prescribed epinephrine, inject the medication into the thigh. This should counteract the allergic response to the insect's venom.You can also use antihistamines but only after administering the epinephrine. Lie still and on your side until help arrives.
Prevention
If you're aware of an insect allergy, make sure that you have the nests destroyed to prevent bites and stings. Have someone check around the outside of your home, in areas such as under the eaves, behind the shutters, in the shrubbery or woodpile, or in any visible holes. These are all areas where stinging insects like to make nests, reports the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Also avoid wearing perfumes and bright clothing outdoors, as these can actually attract stinging insects.
