Insect Sting Allergy

Insect sting allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to the venom from certain insects, such as bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants. When these insects sting, they inject venom that can cause pain, swelling, and redness. For some individuals, however, this venom triggers a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and may include symptoms like difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and swelling of the face or throat. If someone knows they have this allergy, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) is crucial for emergency treatment. Awareness and prevention are key to managing this allergy.