Key takeaways

  • You can treat insect-sting allergies with over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve symptoms such as itching and swelling.
  • Severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, require immediate medical attention and treatment with epinephrine, often administered via an auto-injector.
  • Even after using epinephrine for a severe reaction, it is crucial to seek professional medical care to prevent further complications.

If you have an allergic reaction to an insect sting, there are a few options for treatment. Your options depend upon whether your allergic reaction is mild or severe.

Severe allergic reactions are a medical emergency. They require immediate treatment and medical care.

Antihistamines are the first-line treatments for insect stings. They can help reduce swelling, itching, and hives. First-generation antihistamines are the easiest to find. These include:

A mild reaction involves:

  • sneezing
  • coughing
  • sinus pain
  • hives or rashes
  • itchiness or swelling
  • sickness or diarrhea

First-generation antihistamines, which treat allergy symptoms, may cause a few undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness.

Newer antihistamines that have fewer or no such side effects and are nonsedating are available over the counter (OTC) and recommended by many doctors. OTC antihistamines that are nonsedating or less likely to cause drowsiness include:

Treatments for severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, may include epinephrine or steroids.

A severe reaction involves:

  • respiratory obstruction
  • fainting
  • anaphylactic shock

Epinephrine

Epinephrine is a hormone that increases heart rate, contracts blood vessels, and opens air passages. It’s more commonly known as adrenaline. Epinephrine is the primary treatment for an emergency allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis. If you have an insect sting allergy, you should carry an auto-injection epinephrine kit whenever going anywhere in nature.

An epinephrine auto-injector is a combined needle-and-syringe device that makes it easy to deliver a single dose of the medication. Common brands of auto-injection epinephrine include Anapen and EpiPen. Anapen is available in countries such as Ireland. EpiPen is available in countries such as the United States and Canada. In 2016, the company Mylan introduced an authorized generic version of the EpiPen.

It’s important to remember that epinephrine is a rescue medication only. Its effects are relatively short-lived. In most cases, further therapy is necessary to prevent a recurrence of the life threatening condition.

»Learn more:All About EpiPen

Steroids

A severe reaction may also require a course of oral or injected corticosteroids. Corticosteroids used to treat allergies include cortisone and prednisone (Rayos).

Whether mild or severe, you can fully recover from insect-sting allergy reactions with the proper medication. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about drugs for insect-sting allergy.

There are many treatment options for an insect sting allergic reaction. The options depend upon whether your allergic reaction is mild or severe.

Treatment can include antihistamines and steroids.