What are the common symptoms of insect allergies?
The most common symptom is a reaction to the local sting or bite site where swelling appears as a result of the body’s release of chemical mediators like histamine near the site. The swelling can be reduced by oral anti-histamines, NSAIDS, and an ice pack at the site of reaction held for 10-15 minute intervals. This is the most common allergic reaction to insect bites. Skeeter Syndrome is a severe localized allergic reaction to mosquito bites that will cause swelling in the area of the bite and sometimes fever. This is sometimes confused as cellulitis, but does not require antibiotics. In anaphylactic patients, the allergic response to a bite or sting can is much more severe and potentially life-threatening. If anyone has experienced anaphylactic symptoms after an insect sting, he or she should seek the care of an allergist.
