Bee Sting Allergy

Honey bees, yellow jackets, bumble bees, hornets, fire ants and wasps are the common stinging insects found in the United States. The primary reason behind a bee sting is to defend the bee from attackers. Bee won't sting you unless it finds itself threatened. Insect stings are quite painful, irritating and annoying. You might have experienced bee sting during trekking, camping or nature trails.

Mild symptoms of bee sting allergy can be treated at home. Most people are not allergic to bee stings, but according to the available statistics, severe allergic reactions to insect stings are responsible for at least 50 deaths each year in the U.S. Studies show that about 0.3% - 3% of stings trigger a systemic allergic reaction in people who have developed antibodies against the insect venom from a prior exposure. So severe allergic reaction should be treated promptly with proper medications after consulting a physician.

Allergic Reaction to Bee Sting

Symptoms
Mild pain, swelling and redness and extension of the swelling in some cases, local itching are the symptoms of non-allergic reaction to the bee sting. Symptoms of allergic reactions are as follows:

• Severe itching sensation
• Skin hives
• Tingling or itching inside the mouth
• Nausea or vomiting
• Flushing of the skin
• Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.
• Hoarseness, swelling of the tongue
• Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
• Dizziness and fainting

These reactions are seen within minutes or within 24 hours. Bee sting allergy symptoms may vary from person to person. But a prompt treatment is required in all cases.

Treatment

• In rare cases, oxygen masks will be required if there is difficulty in breathing.
• You can use the commercially available venom extractors for bee sting relief.
• Intravenous fluids in case of dehydration or an oral dose of antihistamine helps reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction within an hour.
• Applying ice on the skin can give soothing effect. You can apply a pack of Fuller's Earth or calamine lotion or honey and lemon to avoid excessive burning and itching sensation later.
• Rubbing toothpaste, papaya, a paste of meat tenderizer and water, a paste of baking soda and water, a paste of vinegar and baking soda can be applied at the site of injury, to reduce the pain.
• Always look for proper medical attention, as allergic reaction can progress later when epinephrine wears off. The condition can be more serious then.
• The barbed stingers of the worker honeybees can be seen at the spot of the bee sting, as they stay there only when inserted into the skin. It is necessary to lift those stingers gently with fingernail or knife to remove them so as to minimize the effect of bee allergy. Pinching the stinger may inject more venom into the sting.
• You can use self injecting device filled with epinephrine(adrenaline). It is to be injected into the subcutaneous tissue or muscle, for example, into the front of the thigh. These devices are available on prescription and usually contain only one dose. You may require more than one dose for severe reactions.

It's obvious that preventing bee stings by taking certain precautionary measures, is in the benefit of all. Here is a list of such preventive measures.

Prevention

• If you can recognize 'insect nests' you can avoid them easily.
• Cover yourself completely with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when in rural or wooded areas.
• Avoid use of perfumes or bright clothing outdoors.
• You can use insect screens on windows and doors and insect repellents or sprays containing insecticide at home.
• The garbage cans should be covered and sprayed with insecticides.
• Do not plant insect-attracting bushes and vines in and around the house.
• If you know that you have severe allergies, don't go alone for hiking and always carry a self care kit for emergency use.

I hope the above article provides you sufficient information on bee sting allergy and how to keep yourself away from the harrowing experience associated with it.