Wasp carries venom in their sting as self-defense; about 10 percent of people have reaction when wasp stung them. Wasp sting allergy symptoms lead to mild and severe conditions.
1 in 150 children and 3 in 100 adults experience this insect sting allergy. Even with no treatment, most people will recover from this allergic reaction. In very rare cases, the allergy can result in life-threatening situation.
Every person isn’t allergic to wasp sting, most people may experience swelling and rashes but this doesn’t imply that he/she are hypersensitive to venom. Experts classify insect stung by three reactions.
- Normal reaction, which results in swelling and redness on and around insect sting spot.
- Large local reaction, the reaction will spread to larger portion of your body. Let’s say if you’re sting on ankle, your whole leg will swell. Within 48 hours you’ll experience peak reaction and in 5 to 10 days you’ll be fine.
- Third type of reaction is severe wasp sting allergy, which need to be treated at once.
Wasp Sting Allergy Symptoms
Mild reaction includes rashes, swelling or hives in skin. Children with these symptoms can develop severe signs in future. You must get diagnosed to determine the allergen and take medication to heal insect sting.
People with mild allergy may not experience anaphylaxis shock, but in future the reaction may result in serious conditions.
When your immune system repeatedly exposed to irritants, the resulting reaction can be serious. So if you’ve experienced mild allergy symptoms before, then make sure you avoid such allergens. You should discuss with allergist about immediate medication to be taken in serious conditions.
Let’s now list symptoms of wasp sting allergy.
- Redness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Pimple like spots
- Itchy rashes
- Hives
- Warmth
- Trouble in breathing
- Swelling of face and throat
- Wheezing
- Sudden increase or decrease in pulse
- Blood pressure
- Restlessness
- Unconsciousness
A mediator (chemical) is released by sting which triggers allergic reaction. When this chemical is released into the blood, the person will experience severe conditions like mentioned above.
Diagnosis
Blood test will be carried out by allergist to determine specific insect allergen. Skin prick test, which is conducted in case of food allergies, will not help you to determine in case of insect sting allergies. However, skin test will be performed by injecting intradermal injection under the skin.
Allow your family members and friends to be with you while discussing about immediate steps to be taken in anaphylaxis situation.
Prevention
Wasp doesn’t leave sting like bees. In case of bees, you must remove the sting with nails to avoid venom release. Place icepack on the spot to relieve from pain.
Avoid wasp and bees to be safe. Wasp is attracted to foods and drinks, so while out never drink blindly. Keep the surrounding clean and drive air conditioner on. Reach professional if you’ve wasp nest near your home.
As soon as you experience wasp sting allergy symptoms consult allergist.