Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Bee and wasp stings are common causes of medical problems. Bees and wasps,
together with fire ants, are all related insects that belong to
the Hymenoptera order. Bee and wasp stings can cause significant reactions,
ranging from localized pain and swelling to serious and even potentially
fatal conditions. At least 40 deaths occur each year in the U.S. as a result
of bee or wasp stings.
What are the types of wasps?
There are over 25,000 species of wasps found throughout
the world. Some of the most common wasps include:
The yellow jacket and hornet,
both of which live in groups, or colonies, in temperate climates.
Yellow
jackets, which have black and yellow stripes on the abdomen, form underground nests.
Hornets are predominantly black with some yellow markings on the head and
thorax. Hornets form paper-like nests that are attached to trees, bushes, or
buildings.
What are the types of bees?
Bees include the honey bee, the so-called Africanized honey bee (also
known as "killer bee"), and the bumble bee. Bumble bees are large,
furry-appearing bees that fulfill the beneficial role of pollinating many
plants. Honeybees, also active plant pollinators, are found all over the
world. While honey bees are not usually aggressive, they will sting if
bothered or threatened. Because their wings flap so rapidly, their presence
is associated with a buzzing sound. Although the venom of the
"killer bees"
found in the Western and Southern U.S. is no more potent than that of
regular honeybees, their behavior may be more aggressive. Killer bees may
chase victims when agitated and may also attack in greater numbers, thereby
increasing the chances of a severe reaction to their stings. Overall, there
are more than 20,000 species of bees found worldwide.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time, and can be fatal. Causes of anaphylaxis can be food allergy, latex allergy, allergy to insect or but stings/bites, asthma, or other materials or conditions. Symptoms include flushing, itching, hives, anxiety, rapid or irregular pulse. Severe symptoms may be throat and tongue swelling, swallowing, and difficulty breathing. Some disorders appear similar to anaphylaxis such as fainting, panic attacks, blood clots in the lungs, heart attacks, and septic shock. If you think that you may be having an anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency care or call 911 immedately.
Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, the structure that connects the eye to the brain. The precise cause of optic neuritis is unknown, but it is thought to be a type of autoimmune disorder. Optic neuritis most commonly develops due to an autoimmune disorder that may be triggered by a viral infection.
The most common cause of a black eye is due to an injury to the face or head. Most black eye injuries are minor and heal on their own, however, some may lead to significant injury. In addition to trauma to the face, cosmetic surgery can cause a black eye(s) as a side effect. People should be aware of the situations in which medical care should be sought immediately for a black eye.
Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease. Though most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, some reactions may be life-threatening. Preventing bug bites and stings with insect repellant, wearing the proper protective attire, and not wearing heavily scented perfumes when in grassy, wooded, and brushy areas is key.
The majority of stinging insects in the United States are from Bees, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Wasps and Fire Ants. Severity of reactions to stings varies greatly. Avoidance and prompt treatment are essential. In selected cases, allergy injection therapy is highly effective.
First aid is a complicated subject and it is situation-specific. First aid is the help and medical assistance that someone gives, not only to an injured person, but to a person who is sick. Preparedness is a key element of first aid, like having basic medical emergency kits in your home, car, boat, or RV. Cuts, puncture wounds, sprains, strains, nosebleeds are one type of injury that may require first aid; heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and heat stroke are examples of more critical first aid emergencies.
Use structural barriers such as window screens and netting.
Avoid wooded, brushy, and grassy areas when possible.
Don't wear heavily scented soaps and perfumes.
Use caution eating outside and drinking; don't leave drinks and garbage cans uncovered.
Don't wear bright colors, which attract bees.
Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible.
Tuck pant legs into socks or shoes.
Wear a hat for extra protection.
Get rid of containers with standing water that give mosquitoes a breeding ground. Examples
include water in flowerpots and outdoor pet dishes.
Use insect repellent if nonchemical methods are ineffective and you spend time in tall grass and woody
areas.
Treat camping gear, clothes, and shoes with permethrin, which repels and
kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects. Clothing that is pre-treated with
permethrin is also c...
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