Final answer:
After being bitten by an insect or bee, individuals may experience a severe allergic reaction and should be monitored for a minimum of 30 minutes due to the risk of anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening within 20 to 30 minutes if not treated promptly with epinephrine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Someone who has been bitten by an insect or bee may have a severe allergic reaction and should be watched for at least 30 minutes. Severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis can be potentially fatal within 20 to 30 minutes if untreated. Symptoms such as a drop in blood pressure and contractions of bronchial smooth muscle are caused by systemic mast cell degranulation, which can occur when an allergen is injected, such as with a bee sting. Treatment with epinephrine, which raises blood pressure and relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, can be lifesaving in these situations. Patients with known severe allergies are advised to carry an epinephrine auto-injector, such as an EpiPen, especially when they are far from medical facilities.