Bee and
Wasp Stings
The summer months are a time for people
to enjoy long warm days full of outdoor activities. Unfortunately,
this is also the time that many of our flying friends, the insects,
are quite plentiful. Usually insect bites are little more than
a nuisance, but for some people, a bee or wasp sting can be a
medical emergency.
The two most common stinging insects are
the wasp and bee, but there are several subgroups of these pests:
vespids, including yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps; and apids,
including bumblebees and honeybees. Most allergic reactions result
from yellow jacket stings.
The normal response to a bee or wasp sting
is pain, slight swelling, redness, and itching, usually just near
the area of the sting. First aid treatment is usually all that
is needed. Remove the stinger as soon as possible, using a pair
of tweezers or a credit card to "scrape" it away. Then,
place an ice cube over the sting to ease the pain. Drugs called
antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can also limit the discomfort
if taken immediately. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol may also
be given for pain.
If you are stung by a bee and experience
more severe symptoms, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction,
and medical attention is recommended.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to bee or wasp stings can vary and treatment
can differ according to the severity of the reaction.
A local reaction occurs when there is dramatic
and prolonged swelling at the site of the sting. Aches and pains
in nearby joints may also occur. If the bite is near the mouth,
throat or eyes, the allergic local reaction can be quite serious.
A toxic reaction often results when multiple stings have occurred.
The patient may experience itching eyes, facial flushing, an overall
itchy rash, and a dry cough, along with vomiting, diarrhea, light-headedness,
and fainting. Other less common symptoms include headaches, fever,
drowsiness, muscle spasms, and occasionally seizures. Toxic reaction
symptoms usually ease within 48 hours with no permanent effects.
A systemic or anaphylactic reaction is the most dangerous response
to a bee or wasp sting, and is a true medical emergency. Systemic
reactions may be the result of a single sting or many stings,
depending on the patient's sensitivity to the insect's venom.
Most systemic reactions occur within 15 minutes of the actual
sting, and nearly all take place within 6 hours of the sting.
Symptoms resemble those of a toxic reaction, but may worsen to
include chest or throat tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath,
stomach cramps, chills and fever and loss of consciousness. Symptoms
which seem minor at first can rapidly progress into anaphylactic
shock, which can be fatal. Seek medical attention immediately
if a systemic or anaphylactic reaction is suspected.
Treatment for Allergic Reactions
A person's reaction to a bee or wasp sting
is simply the result of the body's release of a substance called
histamine. In the case of a normal reaction, symptoms are mild.
However, allergic reactions can result from an excessive release
of histamine. Treatment for allergic reactions includes the use
of antihistamines, which reduce the high amount of histamine in
the body.
Speed is the most important aspect of treatment
for allergic reactions, especially systemic or anaphylactic reactions.
Taking the affected person to the emergency department immediately
may literally mean the difference between life and death. The
person will be given an injection of a medication called epinephrine
hydrochloride, which is a very strong antihistamine. If symptoms
persist, a second injection may be given 10 to 15 minutes later.
Milder antihistamines such as Benadryl or Pepcid and steroids
should also be given.
It is very important that every person
who has had a systemic reaction is given an insect sting kit containing
premeasured epinephrine, and learn how and when it should be used.
Persons who experience severe systemic reactions should be watched
for 24 to 48 hours after the episode and carefully examined for
heart, kidney or neurologic problems or for bleeding.
If you have any questions regarding bee
and wasp stings, please call your primary care doctor or, in case
of any emergency, dial 911.
St. Elizabeth Hospital's Emergency Department
is Ascension Parish's premiere emergent care facility. It is open
24 hours a day and is staffed by highly trained doctors and nurses
who are committed to the health and safety of the residents of
Ascension Parish.
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