Wasp stingreactions can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and life-threatening allergies.
Fortunately, most of the time, wasp stings are not an emergency.
This article explains wasp sting reactions, symptoms, and treatment.
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Below are some to look out for.
Serum sickness is similar to an allergic reaction.
It is often a delayed reaction, sometimes occurring one to two weeks after a sting.
Researchers suspect rhabdomyolysis occurs due to the toxic effect of wasp venom on muscles.
This complication is the result of multiple stings, often more than 50 at a time.
This kind of reaction is not a risk factor for developinganaphylaxis(severe allergic reaction).
Wasp sting allergy symptoms can progress quickly.
Therefore, you should seek medical treatment immediately if you notice any allergy symptoms after being stung.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is asevere allergic reactionand a life-threatening medical emergency.
These reactions can develop quickly after a sting, often within minutes.
Therefore, if you notice any signs of anaphylaxis,call 911immediately.
Treatment
Most of the time, you might treat mild wasp sting reactions with home remedies.
From a treatment standpoint, you don’t have to remove a stinger.
Healthcare providers, including first responders, can administer this if you have an anaphylactic reaction.
Mild symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness at the sting site.
Other reactions include serum sickness, rhabdomyolysis, large local reactions, and allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis).
In more severe cases, responses can be body wide, involving many systems.
It’s urgent to seek emergency medical care immediately if a systemic reaction is suspected.
A Word From Verywell
It’s natural to worry about wasp stings.
After all, allergies can develop at any age, and when they do, they can be severe.
Even so, most people have only mild, localized reactions to wasp stings.
If you develop body-wide reactions, seek medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Systemic (body-wide) wasp sting reactions are cause for concern.
If you notice anything aside from localized pain, redness, and swelling, seek medical attention.
Anaphylaxis can develop within minutes.
Symptoms like hives and respiratory or gastrointestinal problems require emergency care.
Wasp sting allergic reactions usually come on quickly, often within minutes.
However, other reactions that mimic allergies can come hours or days later.
These include serum sickness and rhabdomyolysis.
Fatigue is not a common wasp sting reaction.
However, if your adrenaline was high during the experience, you may feel tired afterward.
If you experience excessive tiredness after a wasp sting, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice.
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National Library of Medicine.Serum sickness.
Radhakrishnan H.Acute kidney injury and rhabdomyolysis due to multiple wasp stings.Indian J Crit Care Med.
2014;18(7):470-472. doi:10.4103/0972-5229.136079
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rhabdomyolysis.
UpToDate.Patient education: Bee and insect stings (Beyond the basics).
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Insect sting allergies.
John Hopkins Medicine.Insect stings.
