allergies..

Bee Sting

Allergic reactions to flying stinging insects (honeybees, hornets, wasps and yellow jackets) are relatively common.

Most people who are stung by these insects will develop a reaction at the site of the sting that will cause pain, swelling, redness and itching. A smaller percent of people -- about 10 to 15% -- also will experience larger areas of swelling, and the swelling can last up to a week. Rarer still are people who have full-blown allergic reactions that cause anaphylaxis. About .5% of children and 3% of adults will experience anaphylaxis after a stinging insect bite.

In addition, about 40 people in the United States die every year from a venom allergy, although there are likely other deaths from insect stings that are attributed to other causes, and therefore this number is probably a low estimate. Most of these deaths occured among people without a known history of venom allergy. Still, keep in mind this is a very small number of people.

Who's most at risk of having an allergic reaction? People with a history of other allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Signs of Anaphylaxis

When someone has whole-body (systemic, or anaphylaxis) allergic reactions to insect stings, they may experience any or all of the following symptoms, usually within a matter of minutes to a few hours:

• itching all over,
• hives or swelling that spreads from the site of the sting,
• flushing,
• runny nose, sneezing or post-nasal drip,
• itchy/watery eyes,
• swelling of the lips, tongue or throat,
• shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing,
• stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea,
• lightheadedness, fast heart rate, low blood pressure or passing out,
• sense of panic or metallic taste in the mouth.

*if u guys are wondering as to why im posting this, its becuz this accident happened to me last weekend.. but alhamdulillah im currently recuperating and im gonna be just fine..