What is insect sting allergy?
Insect sting allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to the venom injected by a stinging insect. After the first sting, the allergic persons body produces an allergic substance called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, which reacts with the insect venom. The individual does not usually experience a severe allergic reaction from that first stingbut if he/ she is stung again by an insect of the same or similar species, the insect venom interacts with the IgE antibody produced in response to the earlier sting. This triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms. For a small number of people with severe venom allergy, stings may be life threatening.
