Though small, wasps pack a big bite.
Wasps are small, so they need their stings to warn predators and to protect their homes. When wasps sting you, they release a venom into your skin which is filled with antigens, as many as 13, according to Dr. Carl Mealie at MedScape, which work together to cause pain, itching and swelling. The sting itself is a harmless inconvenience; it is the venom that causes the true pain. It fulfills its purpose as this venom discourages most humans and animals from bothering wasps.
Breakdown of Cells
Wasp venom contains enzymes which break down the walls of your cells making it possible for the antigens in the venom to make their way into other cells and into your blood stream. A number of enzymes in the venom are also responsible for degranulating mast cells at the site of the sting. Mast cells are essential in the body's inflammatory process and when they are degranulated, they release histamine which causes the classic wasp sting symptoms of itching, stinging and swelling.
Histamine
Histamine is a compound that your body naturally produces. It is a major component of the inflammatory response and is usually used by the immune system to fight off pathogens. It is also a major component of wasp venom. It causes the swelling, pain and itching. The mean histamine concentration in wasp venom is 4.3 mg/g according to doctors and researchers R. Jaques and M. Schachter. The histamine contained within the venom ensures that the sting can still be uncomfortable even if the victim does not have a strong inflammatory response due to decreased sensitivity.
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter produced by your body but it is also found in wasp venom. According to Dr. Mealie, the acetylcholine causes, "an intense depolarization of the nociceptors within the dermis." The nociceptors are responsible for the perception of pain, so their depolarization sends a signal to your brain causing you to feel pain at the site of the wasp sting. This heightens the effect of the histamine.
Serotonin
Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter usually known as the happiness hormone. Unfortunately it is also partially responsible for the feeling of pain associated with a wasp sting. Serotonin indicates bleeding, so an increased local presence will trigger the sensation of pain. The serotonin also causes blood vessels to spasm and contract which adds to the feeling of discomfort and along with acetylcholine heightens the effect of the histamine.
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