Bee venom

Consider testing for bee venom allergy if you’ve had a reaction beyond normal swelling and redness at the sting site, especially if symptoms include difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, throat, or mouth, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat. These signs indicate a more severe allergic response.

• Swelling and redness at the sting site extending beyond the immediate area
• Hives or rash not confined to the sting area
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Swelling of the face, throat, or mouth
• Dizziness, a sharp drop in blood pressure, or loss of consciousness

A bee venom allergy reaction is caused by the immune system’s overreaction to the venom’s proteins. The body perceives these proteins as harmful, releasing chemicals like histamine, which lead to the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Bee venom allergy can be managed with emergency treatments like epinephrine injections in case of anaphylaxis. For long-term management, allergen immunotherapy, also known as venom immunotherapy, can be highly effective in desensitizing the body to the venom, significantly reducing the severity of future reactions.