Beware of Insect Stings this Summer!

Filed in archive Insect Allergies on May 28, 2008

© outofsocks

Summer is in the air! Once again, it's time for grilling, ice cream, picnics, gardening and spending lots and lots of time outdoors in the sun! But beware, not only those who suffer from hay fever, but also those who have allergies to insect stings!

To be stung by a bee or wasp is a bummer, but for those with insect sting allergies, it is much more serious.

If you get stung and have pain and itching, that is normal. If you get a huge swelling that lasts a week, that is probably a local allergic reaction, and it isn't really dangerous unless you get stung in the throat.

But if you are stung and 10 minutes later, you break out in hives, you feel faint or your throat starts to swell, these are potentially life-threatening or even fatal reactions, and this is called a systemic reaction.

How many people will typically be allergic to insect stings? What kinds of insects are most likely to cause an allergic reaction?What happens if you are allergic to an insect sting? When should you call a doctor? How do you treat a sting? What is the treatment for a systemic reaction?

Find out the answers in this article and be prepared. You'll never know; if it's not yours, perhaps you may be able to save someone's life this summer.