Most often, individuals are likely to be unaware of their allergy until after an insect has stung them and they have suffered an allergic reaction. These individuals should see a physician, who can confirm that their reaction is allergic in nature.

Even for people not allergic to insect venom, stings or bites can produce irritating or painful symptoms lasting several days. This can make if difficult to diagnose a mild insect sting allergy. Physicians generally begin by collecting a complete medical history and a description of symptoms from the patient. It is important to provide the following information to the physician:

• Whether a person has had a reaction to insect bites or stings in the past
  
  
• All the medications – prescribed or over-the-counter – the patient has taken for the bite or sting

A physical examination will follow. Physicians also can perform an allergy skin test to pinpoint the type of insect responsible for the sting. But this is usually unnecessary, especially since it carries the small risk that the patient might have an anaphylactic reaction to the testing.