If you’ve ever stepped foot in North America chances are you’ve witnessed (or been stung by) the destructive wrath of a wasp. While their sting doesn’t kill everyone, it can still cause serious issues. Can you really die from a wasp sting?  How serious of an allergic reaction to a wasp sting is possible? Normally I would answer your questions with a “yes” or “no”, but it’s not my place to do that, I’m just answering what’s being asked. If you’ve ever personally had an extreme allergic reaction to a wasp sting I’d be interested in hearing about it, but this article is about what I’ve found researching for wasps —  not people. Obviously, I can’t say with one hundred percent certainty that you will or will not die if you get stung by a wasp. But I can tell you that many people do die annually as a result of being stung by a wasp. So should you freak out anytime you notice a wasp? No, absolutely not. The chances of being stung by a wasp are extremely slim and your chance of dying from a wasp sting is even slimmer. Wasp stings are extremely painful and causes life-threatening cases. This is a fact, even as experts alike try to minimize the extent of the pain they bring along. There are numerous instances all over the world where people have died or been hospitalized due directly to a wasp sting. Indeed, in order to understand how potent their sting is back then it was first necessary to understand the features of bees and wasps. A wasp sting is a wound inflicted by a wasp, usually in defense of its nest. The most important difference between a bee sting and a wasp sting, however, is that bee stings can be deadly. A bee has to have something to defend, and is usually defending a honeycomb from an intruder during the attack. Wasps, on the other hand, can sting for no reason at all, especially if you threaten their nest.

Can You Die From A Wasp Sting

The answer is yes, you can.

The answer is yes. But, only if you are allergic. However, it’s still very rare that someone dies from a wasp sting due to the fact that most people aren’t allergic to wasp stings and also don’t get stung enough times for anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) to occur.

If you are allergic and get stung several times in one sitting or over a period of time, then yes, it could kill you because your body wouldn’t be able to fight off the attack on its own anymore. The response would be immediate rather than delayed like with other allergies like pollen or dust mites where symptoms show up hours after exposure occurs.

Fewer than 100 people die each year from insect stings, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Fewer than 100 people die each year from insect stings, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If you are allergic to wasps and get stung, you could die. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Hives or welts
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

A severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis is more serious and can lead to shock or cardiac arrest within minutes if untreated—it’s important to seek immediate medical attention after being stung by a wasp if you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis (or any other severe allergic reaction).

Most insects have poison that causes localized pain and swelling.

Most insects have poison that causes localized pain and swelling. The good news is that most people aren’t allergic to wasp stings, but those who are can experience anaphylaxis. This is a rare condition where the immune system overreacts to the sting and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Most people will experience localized pain and swelling as a result of a wasp sting, but it’s important to know how to tell if your body is having an allergic reaction so you can seek medical attention if necessary. If you notice itching, hives or trouble breathing after being stung by a wasp then you may have allergies and should seek immediate treatment from a doctor or call 911.

Wasps have poison that causes allergic reactions in some people.

The main danger from a wasp sting is the allergic reaction it causes. About 1 in 3 people have some level of allergy to insect venom, but only a small number of these will have anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction) after being stung by a wasp or other insect.

Anaphylaxis occurs when the immune system overreacts to the venom. The body releases an excessive amount of histamine, which causes symptoms such as:

• Swelling and itching around the site where you were stung
• Feeling dizzy, faint or breathless
• Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, hives and trouble breathing.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, hives and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include a swollen throat or tongue and difficulty swallowing or breathing. Severe allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis, can lead to fainting, shock and death if untreated.

If you have any of these symptoms after being stung by a wasp:

• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency medical services immediately if you notice any signs of anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing; wheezing; dizziness; chest tightness; loss of consciousness).
• If you’re having milder reactions to the sting — such as localized swelling around the site of injury — take steps to reduce swelling by applying ice packs wrapped in towels for 15 minutes at a time every hour until swelling has subsided.

Severe allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis, can lead to fainting, shock and death if untreated.

If you have an allergic reaction to a bee, wasp or hornet sting and you don’t get medical attention right away, it could be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause death if it’s not treated immediately.

Anaphylaxis from insect stings is rare but needs immediate medical care. The most dangerous reactions are to wasps, bees and hornets.

Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include a swollen throat or tongue and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include a swollen throat or tongue and difficulty swallowing or breathing. These symptoms may develop within seconds to hours after a wasp sting, so if you have any of these symptoms after being stung by a wasp, call 911 immediately and seek medical help right away.

If you have any of these symptoms after being stung by a wasp, call 911 immediately and seek medical help right away.

If you have any of these symptoms after being stung by a wasp, call 911 immediately and seek medical help right away.

• A sudden onset of trouble breathing
• Difficulty talking or hoarse voice
• Swelling at the site of the sting (looks like an insect bite)
• Hives or welts that appear on the skin around where you were stung (or appear anywhere on your body)

You cannot die from a wasp sting unless you’re allergic to it

You cannot die from a wasp sting unless you’re allergic to it. While there are many different types of wasps, their stings all contain the same venom, which is not deadly. However, in the case of an allergic reaction, you must seek medical attention immediately as this can lead to anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest.

So if you get stung by a wasp and feel okay afterward (or if only minor symptoms appear), relax—you’re probably fine! If your reaction is more severe, however, head on over to the nearest emergency room.