Insect Sting Allergy Symptoms

Insect sting allergies may produce several symptoms:

• Swelling of the lips, face, or hands
• Hives
• Redness or pimple-like spots near the site of the sting
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Fainting soon after the sting
• Fever
• Joint pain or general discomfort
• Abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Some stings may result in anaphylaxis. Signs of this emergency reaction include:

• Hoarseness, throat tightness, or a lump in the throat
• Wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
• Tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or scalp
• Lightheadedness, fainting or a sudden drop in blood pressure

If you or someone you are with experiences any of these symptoms, contact a doctor or an emergency medical response team immediately. You may need an emergency administration of epinephrine. For someone who knows of an insect allergy, they may have an auto-injection epinephrine kit with them. Look to see if they have a kit; if you can’t find one, call an emergency medical response team immediately.