Insect sting anaphylaxis: what to know

Anaphylaxis can affect breathing, circulation, skin, and digestion soon after a sting. Warning signs include wheezing, throat or tongue swelling, trouble speaking or swallowing, widespread hives, dizziness, faintness, vomiting, or a sudden feeling that something is very wrong. A local red, painful or itchy swelling alone is not the same as anaphylaxis, but symptoms can change quickly.

Use a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector straight away if anaphylaxis is suspected, following its instructions. Call emergency services, say that anaphylaxis is suspected, and do not leave the person alone. Help them lie down with legs raised unless breathing is easier sitting up; keep them still and warm. A second prescribed injector may be needed if symptoms continue or return, according to its instructions. Do not rely on antihistamines alone for breathing or circulation symptoms.

Seek emergency care for any breathing difficulty, throat swelling, faintness, confusion, rapidly spreading hives with other symptoms, or repeated vomiting after a sting. Symptoms may return after seeming to improve, so urgent medical observation is needed. After recovery, arrange an allergy assessment to discuss the likely insect trigger, an emergency plan, and whether venom allergy testing is appropriate.

Ask which insect may have caused the reaction, when to use an auto-injector, whether you should carry two devices, and how family members should respond. Ask whether allergy testing or venom immunotherapy should be considered.