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Because of the venom that is injected, most people experience pain, redness and some local swelling in response to a sting from one of the five common types of stingers. This reaction may be more intense if the sting is in the area of the eyes, nose or mouth.
Some people, however, with an overly sensitive immune system, can develop a much more dangerous response. Proteins in the venom stimulate the production of antibodies in the blood of the victim. Each additional sting produces ever increasing amounts of antibodies. The individual is said to have developed an allergy to the venom and demonstrates an allergic response to being stung. The swelling and redness resulting from the sting extend to a larger section of the body (beyond a couple of inches away from the site of the sting).
When the antibody level in a sensitive person is high enough, it reacts to a new injection of venom by attaching to the foreign protein. This process causes mast cells in the blood to rupture releasing histamines and other compounds into the blood. The histamines cause blood vessels to dilate, releasing fluid into tissues and causing tissues to swell. The victim may develop hives over large areas of the body. When tissue swelling occurs in the parts of the respiratory system, breathing becomes labored and in extreme cases, death may result. This extreme and life-threatening response to an insect sting is called anaphylactic shock.
Individuals experiencing anaphylactic shock require immediate medical treatment.