A normal reaction to an insect bite or sting, including itching and redness, can easily get confused with a true allergy. According to the American Academy of Allergies, Asthma and Immunology, true insect allergies occur after an abnormal reaction of the immune system to the insect's venom, usually progressing in severity with each subsequent exposure.
How Allergies Begin
After the first bite or sting, an insect's venom enters the body, and the immune system responds to the invasion. In someone with an insect allergy, the body will release immunoglobulin E, an antibody to fight the venom. For a person with an insect allergy, each additional exposure to the venom elevates the immune response, releasing larger amounts of antibodies and antihistamines into the bloodstream. If the response to the first bite or sting was bad, the next bite or sting may be fatal.
Symptoms
Any insect bite can elicit pain, redness and itching at the site. A bite or sting in an allergic person will cause these symptoms and possibly a systemic reaction manifesting itself as hives and general swelling. A typical response to an insect's venom will remain at the bite site, whereas during an allergic response the immune system will go overboard trying to protect the body and release excess histamines. This increased release of histamines is causative of the increasing reaction to each successive sting.
Insects Responsible
Allergies to yellow jackets, honeybees, hornets and fire ants can provoke a deadly response in subsequent stings and bites. Yellow jackets are a type of flying, stinging insect that lives underground and in hives, whereas honeybees and hornets' nest are found in decayed wood, foundation cracks and shrubbery. Fire ants are mostly found in the Southwest and bite humans when disturbed. During a sting or bite, these insects release toxic venom that dilates blood vessels and allows for the toxin to quickly travel throughout the body.
Life-Threatening Allergy
Sometimes, a life-threatening allergic response can occur after the first bite or sting from an insect. This emergent response is called anaphylaxis, which includes swelling of the tongue and/or airway and difficulty breathing. According to the American College of Allergies, Asthma and Immunology, anyone with a true insect allergy should be carrying an epinephrine syringe when he's outdoors in case of anaphylactic shock from insect venom.
Prevention/Solution
Take precautions when planning a day outdoors. Do not wear open-toe shoes or go barefoot in dry grass or areas with fire ants. Outside food and drink should be covered at all times, especially sweet beverages as they attract flying insects that can get trapped inside cans or containers. Scented perfumes, body lotions and bright-colored clothes can attract stinging insects. Outdoor workers have no option to avoid insects and should discuss allergy shots for any insect allergy with an immunologist.
