
These reactions often peak within 48 to 72 hours and last up to 10 days. Large local reactions are characterized by redness and swelling that extends from the sting site over a large surrounding area. Chemicals such as histamine are released that cause the tissue around the bite or sting to swell, turn red, itch and be painful. It makes specific allergic antibodies to fight the insect venom. headache, dizziness, loss of consciousnessĪ true allergic response to a bee or other insect sting happens when the immune system overreacts.


Signs and symptoms of an immediate reaction may consist of: Local reactions can occur in individuals who are not insect allergic. Immediate local reactions are often considered the "normal reaction." Signs and symptoms of immediate localized reactions are limited to the area of the sting site. Immediate reactions occur within minutes to hours of a bee or other insect sting and can be further divided into local, large local, anaphylactic and toxic reactions.
