6 Signs of an Insect Allergy

Spring is in full swing and warm weather is here to stay for a while. The new blooms and uptick in temperature bring a lot of insect friends with them. And while insects do so much good for the environment, some of them could pose risks to your health, especially if you’re allergic.

Most of us have some type of reaction to an insect sting or bite, but the severity of it usually goes away quickly. However, allergic reactions to insects are much more intense and can even be life-threatening. 

Because of this, our team led by Chad W. Mayer, DO, FAAAAI, FAAP, at the Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan in Farmington Hills, Michigan, wants to review the signs of insect allergies so you can get an accurate diagnosis and necessary treatments.

What triggers insect allergies?

Allergies occur when your body’s immune system sends antibodies to defend you from a normally harmless substance that’s deemed as dangerous. One of these antibodies associated with allergic reactions is known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE antibodies are what release histamine and other chemicals that produce telltale allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, wheezing, or hives. 

When you’re allergic to insect bites or stings, the venom from the insect is what your body views as dangerous. The most common insects that trigger allergic reactions from their stings or bites are bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, fire ants, mosquitos, bedbugs, and fleas.

How to tell if you have an insect allergy

A normal reaction to an insect sting or bite includes swelling, pain, and itching around the site of the sting or bite. It’s important to note that this isn’t an allergic reaction. 

If you’re allergic to insects, you may not react very strongly the first time you get stung or bit. You may have mild symptoms such as a rash, hives, itchiness, or swelling. These symptoms might be right around where the insect stung or bit you, but they can also happen anywhere throughout your body. 

However, if you get stung or bit multiple times by the insect you’re allergic to or if you just have a severe insect allergy, the reaction may be much more intense. It may even cause anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. These are signs of a severe allergic reaction that you must look out for:

1. Swelling in your face and throat
2. Shortness of breath
3. Dizziness
4. Stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea
5. Hives
6. Rapid pulse

If this happens to you, go to your nearest emergency room right away for prompt treatment. 

Treating insect allergies

If you suspect you have an insect allergy, it’s important to seek treatment. Our team can perform allergy testing and confirm the allergy. 

The best thing you can do for insect allergies is to avoid the insects you’re allergic to altogether. However, you probably won’t be able to completely prevent getting stung or bit by insects, especially during warm weather months.

You’ll need to carry auto-injectable epinephrine with you at all times in case you do get stung or bit and have a severe reaction. 

We also offer immunotherapy, which is an allergy treatment that slowly desensitizes your body to the insect venom through small, repeated doses of the allergen.  This should help reduce your risk of anaphylaxis. 

Don’t wait until you have a severe reaction to seek treatment for insect allergies. Schedule an appointment with our expert team by booking online or calling our office at 248-363-3232 today.