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BEE STINGS - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Bee stings are serious for those who are allergic to them.
A bee sting leaves a stinger which looks like a splinter
and pumps venom in the body.
It is best to remove stingers as fast as you can rather
than slowly and carefully.
Check anyone who has been stung by a bee for an allergic
reaction.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include headache, fever,
loss of consciousness, and severe swelling of the face,
tongue, lips and body, rash and possible difficulty breathing.
What is it?
Bee stings are very common and very serious for five percent
of the population who are allergic to them.
There is an increased risk of bee stings during spring.
Once you have been stung by a bee, it leaves a stinger
which will continue to pump venom into your body for up
to 20 minutes unless it is removed.
A bee sting will cause a red swollen welt on the skin.
Other insects which sting include hornets, bumble bees,
wasps and hornets.
What can be done?
The first thing to do is to look for the stinger which
looks like a small splinter. If there have been multiple
stings check the head, neck and chest first. Remove the
stingers as quickly as possible.
Studies show it is better to remove the stinger as fast
as you can. In the past, tweezers were recommended to remove
stingers but this advice is now outdated because this can
squeeze more venom into the site.
Use your thumb and forefinger and grab the stinger as
close to the skin as possible and then pull it out.
Wash the sting area with soap and water or alcohol wipes.
Apply ice to the area or use a cloth that has been soaked
in cold water. This will help to limit the inflammation.
Bee sting allergies
Some people suffer from hives or stomach cramps following
a bee sting and others have a more serious reaction which
requires immediate medical attention. In some cases a bee
sting can be fatal due to airway obstruction or shock.
Anyone who is stung by a bee should be asked if they are
allergic. If unsure the victim should be observed for an
allergic reaction. Symptoms include headache, fever, loss
of consciousness, severe swelling of the face, tongue, lips
and body, muscle cramps, and difficulty breathing.
A person who has received multiple stings should also
be observed for signs of an allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction will usually occur within one hour
of a sting.
People who have suffered an allergic reaction to a sting
have a 60 percent chance of another reaction if they are
stung again.
Those allergic to bee stings should wear a medic allergic
bracelet to alert others about the allergy and carry an
anaphylaxis kit which includes adrenaline and a needle and
syringe and an antihistamine. It should also have an instruction
kit to explain to others how to use the treatment.
Venom immunotherapy treatment is also an option for people
who have suffered an allergic reaction to bee stings. This
involves administering traces of venom until the person
becomes immune to it. Venom immunotherapy is more than 90
percent effective. However, it may not be necessary in children
who are more likely to grow out of the allergy.
This can be a difficult area and advice of an allergy
specialist is advisable
Bee sting prevention
The best way to avoid a bee sting is to stand still and
even let it land on you. In most cases it will simply fly
away.
Other prevention measures include:
Keep soft drinks and sweet foods covered
Avoid wearing perfume or hair spray outside
Avoid wearing bright clothes because these can attract bees
Wear trousers and long sleeved shirts and avoid bare feet
Be particularly cautious when you are gardening or doing
work around the house
Getting help
See a doctor or an allergy specialist if you have suffered
an allergic reaction to a bee sting.
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