Throughout the country, flying and crawling insects are preparing for a summertime assault. Another bunch of allergens are flying around inside special injection devices that, when encountered, may threaten the life of those who are sensitive. These potential allergens are found in the venom injected by stinging insects. Picnickers all over the country have to contend with stings by yellow jackets, yellow hornets, white-faced hornets, wasps and honeybees. These stings can cause allergic reactions ranging from minor irritants, to serious medical problems.
Immediate reactions occur within four hours of a sting.
A normal reaction consists of localized pain, swelling and skin redness, lasting for several hours, at the sting site. Treatment of local reactions in people without a history of insect sting sensitivity include aspirin for pain and ice to reduce swelling. These reactions involve multiple organ systems simultaneously and most often begin within minutes of the sting although they can occasionally begin an hour or so later. Common signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis are flushing, itching, hives, swelling, sneezing, runny nose, swelling of the throat, breathing difficulties, nausea, abdominal cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe episodes of anaphylaxis, an irregular heartbeat and shock can occur.