Allergic Reaction Wasp Sting
Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to wasp sting result from the injection of venom or other substances into your skin. In most people, wasp stings result in minor swelling, redness, pain and itching. These mild reactions may last from a few hours to a few days and can be easily treated at home.
Some individuals have sensitivity to the venom and their reaction to sting will include any the following symptoms:
| Mild (Local symptoms near sting) | Severe (Systemic symptoms other parts of body) |
| Itching, pain, redness near sting site | Difficulty breathing |
| Large, local reaction over 4 inches diameter | Swelling of the lips, throat or face |
| Bacterial skin infection after 12 - 36 hours | Faintness or dizziness, nausea, vomiting |
| Swelling greater than 2 inches | Rapid heartbeat |
| Confusion | |
| Hives and itching remote from sting site | |
| Shock (drop in blood pressure) |
Only a small percentage of people have the most severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis (an-a-fil-ax-is). People with this type of allergic reaction to bite require immediate medical treatment.
The safest course of action, of course, is to prevent insect bites or wasp stings. Some steps you can take include:
- Avoid walking barefoot in the grass
- Keep food covered when eating outside
- Avoid drinking from open soft drink cans (insects climb into the cans)
- Avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes, hairsprays or deodorants
- Don't disturb wasp nests
If you have reacted to a wasp sting with any of the symptoms listed above, there is hope. A Board Certified/Eligible allergy physician can prescribe treatment to manage your reaction to sting. In some cases, custom vaccines can be developed and administered to prevent future allergic reactions. In severe cases, your physician might prescribe emergency treatment that you carry with you at all times and administer yourself in the event of a wasp sting.
If you live in the State of Virginia, consider contacting Richmond Allergy and Asthma Specialists at 1-804-285-7420, or schedule an appointment online. Our specialists are Board Certified/Eligible, they accept referrals from other medical professionals, and the practice does have a certified vaccine laboratory onsite.
Get tested! Get treated! Get better!
