Precipitating:

Eating outdoors
Using sweet smelling
perfume, hairspray or
deodorant

Predisposing:
Age

Wearing of bright colored

clothing

Gender

Insect sting (Bee, Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket)

Allergen invades the body

Increase production of class IgE anibodies

IgE attach to mast cells

Cross link between allergen and IgE attached on

mast cells

Triggers release of intracellular granules

Release of histamine and other stored mediators

Small localized
skin reaction

Localized skin
reaction

Generalized
(systemic) allergic
reaction

Pain

Chest pain

Redness

Face or mouth swelling

Swelling

Difficulty swallowing

Itching

Difficulty breathing

Burning

Fainting or lightheadedness

Numbness

Abdominal pain or vomiting

Tingling

Rash or flushing

Nursing Management:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Apply ice pack to inflamed/stung area

Breathing exercises
Diversional activities
Monitor respiratory status

Nursing Diagnoses:
1. Acute pain
2. Ineffective breathing
pattern
3. Impaired skin integrity

Medical Management:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Epinephrine
Antihistamine
Corticosteroid
Oxygen therapy

Surgical Management:
1. Tracheostomy

Diagnostic Studies:
1. Serum tryptase
2. Urinary 24-hour
histamine