What are the risk factors that may affect how the body cope with insect stings?

Stings of insects and spiders are manifested by the appearance of local pruritic areas , erythematous and edematiate, more or less painful. These reactions are normal and have a duration ranging from several hours to several days. Often, the only appropriate treatment is local, which is administered at home, not being required the patient hospitalization. There are patients who have more intense reactions to stings of this type, their bodies are more sensitive. Most affected are infants and children,adults  better supporting such aggression.

There are many conditions, diseases and risk factors that can greatly influence how the body cope with an insect sting. The most important such conditions are:

- Age: young children and the elderly over 60 years may have a worse evolution compared with healthy young adults;

- History of allergic reactions: anaphylaxis, excessive skin sensitivity, toxic reactions, serum sickness;

-  Latest travel in exotic countries, endemic for vector-borne communicable diseases such as insects;

- Operation of splenectomy;

- Abuse of alcohol or abstinence syndrome;

- Consumption of drugs;

- Smoking.

If patients have a particular treatment, it must be told to the doctor. Special attention (in these considerations) should be given to treatment with:

- Converting enzyme inhibitors (CEI);

- Beta blockers;

- Corticosteroids such as prednisone;

- Specific medication after organ transplantation;

- Chemotherapy;

- Radiotherapy;

Chronic diseases that can affect how the body responds well to aggression,also the treatment that can stop severe evolution of inflammation and allergy are:

- Cancer;

- Diabetes;

- Glaucoma;

- Heart disease, ischemic heart disease;

- High blood pressure;

- HIV infection;

- Lung disease, mainly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;

- Peripheral arterial.