How To Cure Bee Sting Allergy

Bee Sting Reaction Time

Local reactions to a bee sting develop quickly. The sooner the stinger is removed, the sooner you can stop the flow of toxins into the body. A person with a bee sting will likely experience severe pain for one to two hours after getting stung. After intense pain, the area will start to become itchy. Redness, pain, and swelling can last up to seven days after the incident. This is for someone not allergic to bee stings. If the symptoms seem to get worse after several days, see a doctor.

Anaphylactic reaction to a bee sting can start within two hours of the incident and rapidly progress. Hives will develop on the face and body, followed by other symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing and swallowing. Blood pressure can also decrease and the heart rate can weaken, which can lead to loss of consciousness.

If you or your child is exhibiting signs of an allergic reaction to a bee sting, call 911 immediately. Because symptoms can continue to get worse with time, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as the bite causes a reaction in the body.

What Does A Bee Sting Look Like

Most people know when theyve been stung by a bee. It hurts. Plus, the culprit is usually nearby, or it left its stinger behind. But sometimes, all you know is that something stung or bit you. This is especially true for young children.

Toddlers may not have the skills to tell you what happened, but they sure can alert you to the place where it hurts. Thats why its important to know what a bee sting looks like. After all, you need to be sure youre treating the right sting.

Your body can react in one of four ways to getting stung by a bee.

Remove The Stinger As Quickly As Possible

Generally, only honeybees leave their stingers after a sting, because of the barbs on the stinger. Removing the stinger quicklyideally less than 10 seconds after being stungis important because this minimizes how much venom is injected. The method of removing the stinger, such as scraping or pinching, seems to be less important, contrary to popular belief. If you spend too much time trying to remove the stinger by gingerly scraping at it, and more than 30 seconds passes, all of the venom has already been injected.

You May Like: Is Coconut A Nut Allergy

Stung Reactions And Treatments

Usually a bumblebee sting leads to a non-allergic, local reaction: swelling, itchiness and redness at the site of the sting, lasting for only a couple of hours. This can occur directly after the sting, but more generally it starts after some hours. The swelling or itching may last for hours or even days. In some cases, the local reaction may spread somewhat in this case it usually takes longer for the symptoms to disappear. This still counts as a local, non-allergic reaction.

What Is The Procedure

Regular injections are done under the skin of the arm. Here is an example of therapy where the injections are done:

once per week, for 11 weeks, starting from a tiny dose and increasing it gradually, till the top dose. once per month, for 3 months, using the top dose. once every 3 month, for 3 years, with the top dose.

Before each injection, some factors are checked: pulse, blood pressure and peak respiratory flow. The doctor will ask the patient some questions about general health and any allergic reaction with any previous injections.

The injection is given in the outer aspect of the upper arm by the doctor or nurse, and he may experience some discomfort at the site of the injection. The patient has to remain in the hospital or clinic under observation, for one hour. During this time there will be have further measurements of the pulse, blood pressure and peak respiratory flow. At some intervals during the 3- year desensitization, the patient will be asked to have a blood test to monitor the specific antibodies to venom.

Read Also: What Are The Side Effects Of Allergy Testing

When To Call For Help Immediately

Whether the above signs and symptoms are present or not, get immediate medical care if:

• The person who was stung has a known bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket allergy
• You or someone else has been stung 10 or more times

Someone can have an allergic reaction even they don’t have immediate symptoms.

Multiple local reactions, even without an allergy, can cause a lot of pain. Also, the more venom there is in your body from a sting, the more likely it is you’ll have an allergic reaction.

At Baptist Health We Treat Bee Stings

For most people, bee stings are painful but not life-threatening. If, however, you are allergic to bee stings, then please seek help. If you are experiencing a life-threatening reaction, call 911 or go to the nearest facility equipped to handle medical emergencies. Once you are stabilized, please contact your Baptist Health physician.

Also Check: How To Beat Tree Pollen Allergies

Living With A Bumblebee Allergy

If you have had an allergic reaction once, you will not necessarily have an allergic reaction to the next sting. If you had a level 1 or 2 reaction in particular, the chance is small. Reactions to bumblebee stings may differ in each case. These days it is possible to take a test using purified bumblebee venom to determine whether you will have an allergic reaction the next time you are stung. It is also possible to use the purified venom for a hyposensitization treatment. Immunotherapy with honeybee venom does not necessarily protect patients with bumblebee allergy. This treatment is intended to desensitize the body to bumblebee venom. If you do not wish to undergo hyposensitization treatment, you can obtain a prescription for an adrenaline auto-injector from your doctor. This can be carried with you and is used to inject epinephrine into the thigh in the case of a sting. Tests and treatments are available at the Allergology department of the RdGG at the Diakonessehuis location in Voorburg.

When To Seek Further Medical Advice After A Sting

All people who develop a systemic reaction to a sting should attend their GPs surgery and request referral to an NHS allergy clinic for further assessment and advice such reactions in the future could be life-threatening.

With regards to local reactions to the sting, if you are concerned about the sting in any of the following ways:

• there is a large local reaction more than 10 cm in diameter which peaks between 24 and 48 hours after the sting).

• delayed severe or worsening cellulitis after several days following an insect bite or sting . This could be due to secondary infection of the sting site and require antibiotics.

Also Check: Can Allergies Cause Blood In Phlegm

When Should You Seek Emergency Medical Attention For A Bee Sting

Keep in mind that some allergic reactions to bee venom are life-threatening. People who are severely allergic to bees can develop a whole-body allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Call 911 immediately at the first signs of difficulty breathing, swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea, weakness, sweating, confusion, or full-body swelling, warns Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in the Los Angeles area.

You should also seek emergency medical attention if you develop other symptoms of a life-threatening reaction, such as:

• Dangerously low blood pressure

These symptoms can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. If not treated early, anaphylaxis can lead to loss of consciousness and death.

Its important to note that multiple bee stings can be toxic and become a medical emergency even for someone who isnt allergic to bee stings. This is more common in children and older adults, as well as in those who have a history of heart or respiratory problems.

See a doctor if youre swarmed by bees and receive multiple stings.

Is Your Child Allergic To Bee Stings

Seeing your child in pain is one of the hardest parts of parenting. Its up to you to discover the issue, solve the problem, and keep everyone safe. That responsibility is heavy, especially if you feel unequipped. This article is meant to provide the information you need to care for your child in the event of a bee or wasp sting. If youre wondering, How do you know if your child is allergic to bee stings? or What is the best way to treat a wasp sting in a kid? then youve come to the right place.

You May Like: How To Read Allergy Skin Test Results

Medical Treatment For Bee And Wasp Stings

If you have a single sting with no allergic symptoms, you may require only local wound care such as cleaning and applying antibiotic ointment. Any stingers that remain will be removed. And you may be given an oral antihistamine to treat itching. The doctor may also tell you to use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain. If your tetanus immunization is not current, you’ll receive a booster shot.With mild allergic symptoms such as a rash and itching over your body but no problems with breathing or other vital signs, you may be treated with an antihistamine. You may also be given steroids. In some cases, the doctor will give you an epinephrine injection. Treatment may be started at the scene or in the ambulance by the emergency medics. If you are doing well, you may be sent home after observation in the emergency department.

If you have a more moderate allergic reaction such as a rash all over the body and some mild problems breathing, you will likely receive injections of antihistamines, steroids, and epinephrine. Some of these treatments may be started at the scene or in the ambulance by emergency medics. You will likely need to be observed for a prolonged period of time in the emergency department or in some cases be admitted to the hospital.

If you are stung inside the mouth or throat, you may need to remain in the emergency department for observation, or you may need more intensive management if complications develop.

What Is The Treatment For Insect Stings

Large, local reactions do not usually lead to more serious generalized reactions. However, they can be life-threatening if the sting happens in the mouth, nose, or throat area. Swelling in these areas can cause breathing difficulties.

Treatment for local skin reactions may include the following:

• Remove the stinger by gently scraping across the site with a blunt-edged object, such as a credit card, a dull knife, or a fingernail. Do not try to pull it out, as this may release more venom.

• Wash the area well with soap and water.

• Apply a cold or ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to help reduce swelling and pain .

• If the sting happens on an arm or leg, keep the arm or leg raised to help reduce swelling.

• To help reduce the pain and itching, consider the following:

• Apply a paste of baking soda and water and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Apply a paste of nonseasoned meat tenderizer and water and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Apply a wet tea bag and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Use an over-the-counter product made for insect stings.

• Apply an antihistamine or corticosteroid cream or calamine lotion.

• Give acetaminophen for pain.

• Give an over-the-counter antihistamine, if approved by your healthcare provider.

• Watch the person closely for the next hour for more serious symptoms.

Emergency medical treatment may include the following:

• Intravenous antihistamines

Also Check: Does Yellow Mucus Mean Allergies

Am I Having An Allergic Reaction To A Bee Sting

Some people arent aware of a bee venom allergy until after they are stung by a bee. So its important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction, which can develop immediately or within an hour of a sting.

A mild allergic reaction can be treated at home. Symptoms include hives , itching, and flushness around the sting.

The Allergic Reaction Could Be Worse Next Time

We shouldnt stop taking allergic reactions seriously simply because some allergies can go away on their own. After one systemic reaction, the possibility of a reoccurring reaction of similar or increased severity increases anywhere between 20% and 60%.11

Without talking to a doctor, it is incredibly difficult to know your own risk. Through testing, allergists can discover the amount of antibodies your body has for a specific allergen and determine your risk factor.

Also Check: Can Allergies Cause Rapid Heartbeat

Wasp And Bee Sting Reactions

The reaction that most people experience after a wasp or bee sting is pain, discomfort and redness around the sting site, with swelling that may increase over a few hours. This is called a local reaction. Smaller swellings will often go down without medical treatment after a few days. If the swelling becomes large or if it extends up or down an arm or leg then visit your GP/ nurse practitioner or walk-in medical centre as they may prescribe medication to help the swelling go down. However, if you get stung on the face or neck and the swelling goes to the tongue, throat or airways then you need to seek emergency medical help as your airway may become blocked. Call 999 immediately.

If the reaction progresses quickly from the sting site or is followed by difficult breathing or choking, fainting or collapse the person is experiencing a systemic allergic reaction requiring emergency medical treatment. Call 999 immediately and tell them the person has been stung and having anaphylaxis . If the person carries adrenaline this should be administered immediately and without delay. Check for a medic alert bracelet that may confirm the allergy.

Remember that if you are stung on the hand and your face begins to swell or hives break out all over your body, this is a systemic reaction and it can result in a serious reaction that requires immediate emergency medical attention.

Treat Expected Side Effects

If your only symptoms are pain, redness, and swelling/itching at the site of the sting, and the bee sting was not on the face, then you’re not likely to be experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Consider taking a single dose of an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec, or Claritin as quickly as possible. This may help the local reaction and possibly reduce the chance or lessen the severity of an allergic reaction occurring later.

Particularly if you are alone or if you need to drive, a non-sedating antihistamine is often preferred over a sedating antihistamine like diphenhydramine . These medicines are available over-the-counter without a doctors prescriptionjust be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the package.

Continue to closely monitor yourself or the sting victim for signs of an allergic reaction, particularly for the first 30 to 60 minutes after getting stung. Most severe allergic reactions occur within this time period and would be unusual four hours or more after getting stung. If signs of an allergic reaction develop, get medical attention immediately. Localized swelling, redness, and itching at the site of the sting may worsen over many hours to days. Treatment of local reactions may include applying ice packs and topical steroid creams to the sting site, as well as taking oral antihistamines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.

Don’t Miss: Can Pollen Allergies Cause Joint Pain

When To Seek Help

Most people whove been stung by a bee dont require medical attention. You should monitor any minor symptoms, such as mild swelling and itching. If those symptoms dont go away in a few days or if you begin to experience more severe symptoms, call your doctor.

If youre experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as trouble breathing or difficulty swallowing, call 911. You should also seek medical help if you have a known allergy to bee stings or if you have had multiple bee stings.

When you call 911, the operator will ask for your age, weight, and symptoms. Its also helpful to know the type of insect that stung you and when the sting occurred.

Treatment for a bee sting involves removing the stinger and caring for any symptoms. Treatment techniques include:

• removing the stinger using a credit card or tweezers
• taking an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, for any itching andswelling

If someone you know is experiencing an allergic reaction, immediately call 911. While waiting for paramedics to arrive, you can do the following:

• Check the persons airways and breathing. Begin CPR, if necessary.
• Reassure the person that help is coming.
• Remove constricting clothing and any jewelry in case of swelling.
• Administer epinephrine if the person has a bee sting emergency kit.
• Roll the person into the shock position if symptoms of shock arepresent. This involves rolling the person onto their back and raising theirlegs 12 inches above their body.
• Keep the person warm and comfortable.

Home Treatment For Bee And Wasp Stings

Most insect stings for someone who is not allergic need no more than first aid given at home. Then you can avoid further stings by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and staying out of infested areas.

Here are the steps you need to take after someone who is allergic has been stung:

• Remove any stingers right away. They have venom and will release it for several seconds after it goes in.Some experts recommend scraping out the stinger with a credit card.
• Applying ice to the site may provide some mild relief. Apply ice for 20 minutes once every hour as needed. Wrap the ice in a towel or keep a cloth between the ice and skin to keep from freezing the skin.
• Taking an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine or a nonsedating one such as loratadine will help with itching and swelling.
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief as needed.
• Wash the sting site with soap and water. Placing hydrocortisone cream on the sting can help relieve redness, itching, and swelling.
• If it’s been more than 10 years since your last tetanus booster, get a booster within the next few days.
• Most insect stings require no additional medical care.

Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Mess With Your Vision