Insect Allergy

Diagnosis

Symptoms include:

• skin rash, hives, itching, swelling, particularly in areas away from the sting site
• swelling of lips, tongue, face, throat, and eyelids
• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing
• dizziness, fainting
• severe drop in blood pressure
• respiratory and/or cardiac arrest

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Most diagnoses are based on a history of an allergic reaction after a sting.

Tests include:

• scratch skin test
  The doctor will put a diluted extract of the insect's venom on your forearm or back skin. If there is swelling or redness, an allergic reaction may be present. Using the results of the skin test in combination with your history of symptoms, the doctor will make the diagnosis. This test should not be used if you are severely allergic or have eczema.

• RAST or ELISA test
  In these cases, the doctor may order blood tests (RAST or ELISA). These tests measure the level of insect-specific IgE in the blood. IgE is a type of protein that the body produces when it comes in contact with something it is allergic to. The presence of IgE in the blood may indicate an allergy.