LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - For most people insect stings are annoying and a little painful, but for 2 million Americans they can trigger an allergic reaction. A national allergy task force releases new recommendations on protecting yourself from an allergic insect bite.
With dozens of people dying each year from bee, wasps and other insect stings a national task force is updating guidelines for diagnosing and treating sting allergies.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology wants to make sure everyone is aware of the symptoms of severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include itchiness of mouth and throat, trouble breathing and chest tightness. The new guidelines also warn that insects, usually considered a nuisance are causing more severe reactions.
If you are allergic, experts say shots are key for keeping reactions in check. Allergy shots are designed to give you small quantities of insect venom that you're allergic to over time and the body will develop a tolerance.
Allergy experts also suggest people know where stinging insects live to avoid getting stung.
Yellow jackets usually build nests in the ground, while hornets are very aggressive and build nests in trees.
Wasps are usually found in bushes.