Bee venom allergy is a condition where the immune system overreacts to proteins in bee venom following a sting. This allergic reaction can cause symptoms ranging from mild local swelling to severe systemic responses, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. Recognizing and understanding these signs is essential for effective management and treatment.
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.
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.