Insect bites are very unpleasant and can even be dangerous. What bees, wasps and the like secrete when they sting is generally not dangerous for humans. However, some people react with anaphylactic shock, which is due to an intolerance, or allergy, to insect venom.

This shock reaction of the body is intended as a defence against a dangerous substance, which the body believes the insect venom to be. It develops antibodies after the first sting, which then lead to exaggerated defence reactions in the next sting. The anaphylactic shock then announces itself with swelling of the skin, itching and burning of the palms of the hands and feet, as well as the tongue and throat. The reactions quickly progress to tachycardia, a drop in blood pressure and even fainting.

If no immediate measures are taken to treat it, a person can even die from it; death by suffocation due to swelling of the throat is also possible.

This insect venom allergy is only present in a relatively small proportion of the population, namely around four per cent, but you never know if you are allergic until you have been stung at least twice. This is due to the fact that the body initially prepares itself for another sting by producing antibodies after the first sting.

An allergy test can be carried out after the first sting, which is particularly recommended if other family members already have a known allergy to insect venom.

What happens in the event of an insect bite?

If the bee or wasp has stung, the venom triggers the production of histamine in the human brain. This is a tissue hormone that is present in the venom from the bee and wasp itself and also causes the human body to produce histamine. The hormone triggers itching and makes us scratch.

However, this is exactly what you should not do: scratching, as this aggravates the swelling and favours the risk of bacteria entering the puncture wound. If secondary infections occur, they can be very serious.

How do you treat an insect bite?

The area where the insect has stung will swell up, so treatment with cold compresses is particularly indicated. If you place a piece of freshly sliced onion on the area, it will draw the poison out of the body and relieve itching and swelling. This home remedy is better than ointments containing antihistamines. Experts only recommend antihistamines if an allergy is suspected or already present.

As a rule, it is not necessary to consult a doctor, but this only applies if an allergy can be ruled out and the insect bite has not occurred in the mouth or throat area, otherwise an emergency doctor must be called immediately in any case, because even non-allergic persons can die from a bite in the mouth area if the swelling impedes breathing too much.

As an immediate measure in this case, the affected person can be given ice to suck on, which will reduce the swelling somewhat.

If you are aware of an allergy, it is recommended that you always carry an emergency kit with you.