Bee and Wasp Sting (cont.)
When should I call a doctor about a bee or wasp sting?
Most bee and wasp stings can be treated at home, but
some cases require medical attention. If there is any suspicion at all that a
person is having a systemic allergic reaction, seek immediate emergency medical assistance.
Signs that a person may be having a systemic reaction include widespread
hives or rash, wheezing, difficulty
breathing, and swelling in the mouth and
throat areas. If a person is stung by an insect whose sting has previously
caused an anaphylactic reaction, he or she should also access emergency
medical care even if no symptoms are present.
You should also seek medical care if any of the following conditions are
present:
- If you have received multiple stings
- If the sting is located in the eye or eye area
- If symptoms of infection (pus, drainage, fever,
increasing pain and redness) develop
- If the initial symptoms worsen or persist for longer
than 24-48 hours
- If a sting produces severe symptoms in young
children, the elderly, or those with chronic medical problems
How is a bee or wasp sting diagnosed?
In most cases the victim or an observer will have witnessed the sting.
Depending upon the type of insect, the stinging apparatus may be found
embedded in the skin, but this is not the case with wasps and some types of
bees. The characteristic symptoms for each type of reaction along with the
history of a sting are typically sufficient to establish a diagnosis.
What is the treatment for a bee or wasp sting?
Treatment for a mild allergic reaction
- First aid for a bee sting involves cleansing the site, immediate removal
of the stinging apparatus (if present), and application of ice or cold packs
to the affected area.
- Antihistamines such as
diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may be taken to relieve itching and burning.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or
ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) may be taken for pain
relief.
- If the sting site becomes infected, your doctor may prescribe a course
of antibiotics.
- If it has been more than 10 years since your last
tetanus
booster immunization,
get a booster within the next few days.
Treatment for a mild allergic reaction (such as a rash
without any breathing difficulty) usually involves the administration of
antihistamine medications and sometimes steroid medications to reduce inflammation.
Treatment for anaphylactic reaction
The treatment of choice for life-threatening
anaphylactic reactions is epinephrine. Emergency medical treatments may also
include steroid and antihistamine medications and insertion of a breathing tube.
Intravenous fluids and medications to support cardiovascular function may also be
required. Treatment may be begun at the scene by emergency medical personnel
and continued in the hospital.
Doctors can prescribe an allergy kit containing
self-administered epinephrine (Epi-Pen) for persons at risk for a severe
allergic reaction, including those with known allergy to bee or wasp stings.
These self-administered injectable epinephrine treatments can be life-saving in
many cases. It is important to have kits readily available at home, in the
car, at work, etc. and to know how to use them properly.
Immunotherapy is sometimes recommended for those with a history of severe
allergic reactions to stings. In this treatment, a series of shots ("allergy
shots") are used to provide low-dose exposure to venom. This type of
treatment may significantly reduce the chance of future severe allergic
reactions.
Next: What are the complications of a bee or wasp sting? »
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