Stinging insects

The first reports of stinging insect allergy came from the Middle East thousands of years ago.  Even at that time, people understood that a small insect, such as a bee or a wasp, had the potential to cause serious illness or even death. Today, physicians, and in particular allergy specialists, are equipped to diagnose and protect individuals with stinging insect allergies.   How are reactions to stinging insects classified?  The venom of stinging insects such as bees, yellow jackets, wasps, or hornets contains several chemicals which, when introduced through a sting, causes local tissue damage and the release of histamine.  The resulting tissue damage is largely responsible for the pain, swelling, redness, and itching