Insect Sting Allergy Diagnosis

Allergic reactions to insect stings are usually easy to diagnose; more often than not the patient will feel the sting when it occurs.

If you do suffer an allergic reaction to an insect sting, try to note your activity at the time of the stinging (i.e., gardening), the location in proximity to a known hive or nest, the type of insect activity in the area where you were stung, and visual identification of the insect if possible. That way your doctor can help outline preventative and avoidance measures for the future.

If you have had an allergic reaction to a sting and do not know what insect caused it, your doctor may suggest a skin prick test or a blood test to try to hone in on the exact cause of your symptoms.

Learn more:

How to identify stinging insects.

What to do if you get stung.

Insects that can cause an allergic reaction.