What to do for Bee Stings

Bees, like honey bees, bumble bees as well as killer bees or Africanized honey bees are all insects that belong to the order hymenoptera, together with wasps. These insects mainly sting when they feel threatened, especially when someone approaches their hives or nest. They also get attracted to strong perfumes and bright colors, which can also encourage them to sting. Many insects including honey bees can bite only once, as their stings are barbed, for which the stinger along with the venom sac, usually tear off when the insect tries to fly away. As a result, the insect dies after stinging the victim and leaving the stinger and the venom sac embedded in his skin. However, bumble bees have smooth stingers that they can easily pull out, after stinging and injecting the venom into the skin of the victim.

Complications of Bee Sting
Bee stings and other insect bites, can not only cause severe pain and swelling, but can lead to some potentially dangerous situations, especially if the individual develops allergic reactions. In United States, approximately 40 people die in each year, due to either bee or wasp stings. The venom that these insects inject while biting, can easily cause pain, swelling and redness. Sometimes, itching may also be present along with pain and inflammation and these can last for several days.

Some individuals may develop allergic reactions to the sting. This may happen because of the production of a specific antibody against the insect venom, during a previous bite. This in turn, can cause skin hives, rashes and swelling of the pharynx and epiglottis. Inflammation of the pharynx and epiglottis, along with the narrowing of the bronchial passage can cause breathing problems. Bee sting can sometimes trigger severe allergic reactions and a life-threatening condition, known as anaphylaxis. This condition is characterized by hypotension, skin hives, itching, vomiting as well as respiratory problems, which may prove fatal in certain conditions. Apart from these, multiple stinging can lead to the injection of a large amount of venom, which can cause fever, vomiting, nausea, headaches, diarrhea, dizziness and even convulsions.

Bee Sting Aftercare
Whenever a bee or a wasp stings you, be sure to immediately remove the stinger, that usually appears as a black dot in the center of the wound. After removing the stinger, the area should be cleaned with soap and water. Alcohol can also be used for the purpose. Applying ice or cool water on the inflamed area can help to inhibit or reduce the intensity of allergic reaction. You can also apply calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda and water on the affected area, to relieve the itching and the pain.

One of the simplest remedies, is toothpaste, which has the ability to neutralize the venom. Honey, apple cider vinegar, essential oils, onion and basil are some other effective home remedies. If applied immediately on the affected area, they can provide considerable relief from the pain and swelling. Sometimes, topical hydrocortisone medications can also provide relief from the symptoms.

Generally, antihistamine medications like benadryl and acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are used to prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions. But, if you experience severe symptoms like breathing difficulties, dizziness, skin hives, nausea, vomiting, fever as well as tightness in the chest or throat, then it is better to seek immediate medical attention. You should also consult a physician as soon as possible, if the sting is located in some sensitive areas of the body like nose, eyes or mouth.

If the condition is really serious and grave, especially in case of anaphylactic reactions, the physicians would prescribe epinephrine and certain steroid and antihistamine medications. A breathing tube may be required to be inserted, if the patient develops respiratory complications. In many instances, tetanus immunization is suggested by physicians for treatment, if the symptoms persist for more than a week.

If the sting is producing only mild pain and swelling, then following some simple first aid treatments, like applying ice or calamine lotion, would help you to ease these symptoms. But in case of severe pain, fever and allergic reactions, consult your physician immediately.