You can reduce your or your childs chances of being stung and having a subsequent allergic reaction by preventing or avoiding exposure to the stinging insects.

This information will help you understand your choices, whether you share in the decision - making process or rely on your doctors recommendation.

Most allergic reactions to insect stings are caused by just a few types of closely related stinging insects.

It is not clear how many people are allergic to insect sting venoms, because testing is usually not done until after a first allergic reaction.

When you are stung by an insect, poisons and other toxins in the insects venom enter your skin.

Use these allergy and insect sting health tools to help make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to insect stings vary from mild to llife-threatening. The severity of your allergic reaction depends on your sensitivity to the allergens in the venom-not necessarily on the number of stings or how often you have been stun

Your health professional will diagnose an allergic reaction to insect stings by performing a physical examination and taking your medical history.

For normal reactions to insect stings, medical treatment is usually not needed. An ice pack or cold compress may reduce swelling and pain, along with taking a nonprescription pain reliever, such as acetaminophen.

Knowing which insect venom triggers your allergies and avoiding those insects is the best way to avoid allergic reactions to the stings.

A list of organizations that provide resources about allergies to insect stings.

A list of topics related to allergies to insect stings.

A reference list about allergies to insect stings.

A list of authors and reviewers who contributed to the topic of allergies to insect stings.