Overview

 

Allergy to insect stings also called venom allergy (such as bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, and fire ants) can cause itching, swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis.

Sting-induced anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition which presents with nausea, severe drop in blood pressure, breathing difficulty, unconsciousness, and even death.

If you are diagnosed with insect allergy, you should consider starting immunotherapy for venom allergy (allergy shots) to change how your immune system reacts to these stings. In most cases, allergen immunotherapy can cure venom allergies.