It is estimated that at least half a million people visit emergency rooms every year seeking treatment for insect sting reactions. There are at least 40 deaths due to insect stings in the United States each year.
Insects are grouped in families based on common characteristics. For example, honey bees and bumblebees are members of one family, yellow jackets and hornets are members of a different family. Fire ants and harvester ants are members of the same family. The geographic distribution of insects varies. For example, yellow jackets are predominant in the Northern United States, whereas fire ants are found in the Gulf Coast area.
Types of reactions to insect stings
The reactions to insect stings are either immediate or delayed. An immediate reaction occurs from minutes up to four hours of receiving an insect sting, whereas delayed reaction occurs after four hours. The extent of the sting reaction is either local, large local or systemic.
Local reaction (also known as normal reaction): The symptoms of a local reaction include pain, redness, itching, burning and swelling at the sting site.
Large local reaction: This is an extensive reaction that extends beyond the stinging site. If the sting site is an extremity for example, the whole limb may be involved. The reaction may occur after several hours and may persist for two to three days.
Systemic reaction: Systemic reaction may cause symptoms that are far away from the sting site. For example, stinging of right foot may cause swelling of the face. In systemic reaction, one or multiple organs may be involved such as skin (hives, itching and swelling), cardiovascular (fall of blood pressure), respiratory (wheezing, shortness of breath, cough) or gastrointestinal (cramp, nausea).
Toxic reaction: At times, the reaction may be due to repeated stinging. Although the reactions may be similar to systemic reaction, its mechanism is different.
Protective measures against insect stings and bites
Certain professions such as painters and gardeners are more vulnerable to insect stings. Therefore, extra caution is recommended for those who spend long hours in outdoor environments.
To avoid stepping on bees, always wear shoes when walking in the park.
Do not use scented makeups, perfumes and hair sprays when outdoors.
Beekeepers should wear white cotton clothing.
Cover your exposed areas of skin as much as possible.
Avoid colorful clothing.
Do not wear wool, leather or suede. These materials may attract bees.
Do not get close to the vicinity of the insects nests or you may be the subject of multiple attacks.
Do not leave an open container of food or drink unattended. Insects may get into the container and surprise you.
After eating outdoors, dispose of the trash in proper containers.
Always check your car before driving. Insects may have entered your vehicle through an open window.
Carry your first-aid kit when going to parks or eating outdoors.
