Insect Stings and Allergy
Today's Top News Stories | | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00 Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00 Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00 French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00 But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
Allergic reaction to bee stings occurs when a person becomes sensitized to the venom from a previous sting. This reaction is different from the reaction to the poison in the bite of a black widow spider, which injects a potent toxin into the blood. Ordinarily, bee venom is not toxic and will only cause local pain and swelling. The allergic reaction comes when the immune system is oversensitized to the venom and produces antibodies to it. Histamines and other substances are released into the bloodstream, causing blood vessels to dilate and tissues to swell. Severe reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening series of symptoms including swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. Persons who develop an allergy to bee stings should carry prescription bee sting kits to counteract the reaction to bee venom.
Related Images
Allergic Reactions Allergic Reactions to Medication Anaphylaxis Antibodies Bedbug - Close-Up Black Widow Spider Black Widow Spider Body Louse Body Louse, Female and Larvae Brown Recluse Spider Brown Recluse Spider Bite on the Hand Crab Lice Crab Louse, Female Flea Flea Bite - Close-Up Fly Food Allergies Head Louse - Female Head Louse and Pubic Louse Head Louse Emerging from Egg Head Louse Infestation - Scalp Head Louse, Male Hives Insect Bite Reaction - Close-Up Insect Bites and Stings Insect Bites on the Legs Insect, the Basic Features of Adults Kissing Bug Lice, Body with Stool (Pediculus Humanus) Mite Mosquito, Adult Feeding on the Skin Mosquito, Egg Raft Mosquito, Larvae Mosquito, Pupa Pubic Louse-Male Shock Stinger Removal Wasp
Related Articles
Anaphylaxis Bee Poison Insect Bites and Stings
 |
Review Date : 7/5/2002
Reviewed By : A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team
|