Insect Venom Allergy

Insect venom allergy occurs when a person's immune system reacts strongly to the venom from certain insect stings, such as bees, wasps, hornets, or fire ants. For some people, this reaction can cause symptoms ranging from hives and swelling to severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The body mistakenly identifies the venom as a harmful substance, triggering an exaggerated immune response. Individuals with a known allergy should carry an epinephrine auto-injector and seek medical advice on allergy testing and management strategies to reduce the risk of severe reactions.