The management of allergic reaction to venomous insect stings

Insects that sting play a vital role in our ecosystem by consuming crop pests and by pollinating plants (Earth-Life Web Productions, 2004). Some of these insects, particularly bees and wasps (hymenoptera), can also deliver a painful and venomous sting. Their bodies contain a sac of venom attached to a stinger which is forced through the skin. The painful sting occurs when the sac contracts and venom is deposited in the tissues (Prodigy, 2004). The venom contains allergens that typically produce an intense, burning pain followed by erythema (redness) and a small area of oedema (up to 1 cm) which usually subsides within a few hours (Ewan, 1998a). Some people suffer more serious localised or systemic reactions including anaphylaxis. Every year in the UK between two and nine people die as a consequence of a severe allergic reaction to a bee or wasp sting (The Anaphylaxis Campaign, 2004).