Bee and Wasp Sting Allergy

Symptoms

A bee or wasp sting may cause a large swelling at the site of the sting.  Providing that the sting site is not on the face or near an airway which might be obstructed by the swelling, this is not dangerous.

A few people (fewer than half a per cent of the population) may experience a severe, generalised allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. The symptoms may include:

an itchy feeling difficulty in swallowing hives (nettle rash) anywhere on the body generalised flushing of the skin abdominal cramps and nausea increased heart rate difficulty in breathing due to severe asthma or throat swelling a sudden feeling of weakness (a drop in blood pressure) a sense of doom collapse and unconsciousness

Not all these symptoms would necessarily be present.

Insect stings cause allergic reactions in a small proportion of the population. Sometimes they are local reactions, but a later reaction may be more severe. Anyone who suffers a generalised reaction, or a large local one, should visit a GP and seek referral to an NHS allergy clinic. Desensitisation may be offered. People known to be at risk of severe allergic reactions to bee, wasp, or hornet venom are usually prescribed self-injectable adrenaline. To download our factsheet on Bee and Wasp sting allery click here.