An injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) is usually the most effective way to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis. This drug relaxes the smooth muscle tissue in the lungs, speeds up the heart rate, slows the appearance of hives and welts on the skin and reduces overall swelling. Those who are showing symptoms of anaphylaxis should seek immediate emergency epinephrine treatment.

Some individuals may be able to self-administer a dose of epinephrine into their thigh using an auto-injector. This is found in an allergy kit prescribed by a physician. This should only be used in accordance with a physician’s instructions, as epinephrine can have serious side effects.

Even if a self-administered dose of epinephrine successfully reverses symptoms, an individual still should seek immediate medical care. In about 10 percent of all cases, anaphylactic symptoms recur within four to 12 hours after an initial episode. This is known as a bi-phasic reaction. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be prescribed to help reduce the chance of additional symptoms. Intravenous (I.V.) fluids and oxygen may also be administered. In some cases, patients who have suffered a severe reaction may be hospitalized overnight so that they can be monitored.

Those with less serious reactions to a sting should watch for any unusual symptoms or developments, such as increasing swelling. If these occur, see a physician. If the situation requires, antibiotics or antihistamines may be prescribed.

Less serious symptoms can be self-treated at home with the following steps:

• Apply ice or a cold compress to relieve swelling
  
  
• Clean – but do not break – any blisters with soap and water
  
  
• Call a healthcare provider and inquire about using topical steroid ointments or oral antihistamines to relieve itching
  
  
• Use bronchodilators, as prescribed by a physician, if the sting triggers an asthma attack
  
  
• Do not scratch the sting, or it can become infected
  
  
• If stung in the arm or leg, elevate the limb
  
  
• See a physician immediately if swelling increases or other unusual symptoms occur

Honey bees are the only insects that leave their stingers in the skin after attacking. It is important to remove the stinger properly to avoid causing more venom to be injected into the wound. People should avoid pinching or pulling on the stinger with fingers, tweezers or other objects. A credit card, knife edge, fingernail or similar tool can be brushed across the site to draw out the stinger. 

Fire ants should be brushed off to prevent repeated stinging. These wounds usually will blister, become cloudy and appear pustular within 24 hours. Clean the wound with soap and water, then leave it alone – it will heal in one to two weeks.

Since children can easily come into contact with insect stings while at school, parents should alert school staff to any insect sting allergies their child may have. Parents should make sure that their child's school has the ability to properly identify and treat an insect sting allergy or an anaphylactic response.