Bee and Wasp Sting
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Insect stings overview
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.
Next: What are causes of bee and wasp stings? »
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What does an allergy mean?
An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is
exaggerated because these foreign substances are usually seen by the body as harmless and no response occurs in non- allergic people. Allergic people's bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system is turned on. Allergy-producing substances are called "allergens." Examples of allergens include pollens, dust mite, molds, danders, and foods. To understand the language of allergy it is important to remember that allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in certain people.
When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it
causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in
persons who are allergic to it. When you inappropriately
react to allergens that are normally harmless to other
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