Bee stings can cause severe allergic reactions.
According to MedecineNet, more than 2 million people in the United States are allergic to stinging insects, and severe allergic reactions to stinging insects cause at least 50 deaths per year. Learning more about bee and wasp allergies can help you act appropriately if you or someone you know is stung.
Types
According to the Surrey Allergy Clinic, the most people who are allergic to insect stings are allergic to either bee stings or wasp stings, but not to both. Despite the fact that different allergens are provoking the allergic reaction, the features of the reactions and the treatments are identical.
Features
When someone who has an allergy to bee and wasp stings in stung, an allergic reaction occurs. These reactions differ from person to person, depending on the severity of the allergy, and can include hives, tingling, nausea or vomiting. A person who is allergic may also develop a flush on their skin or itching inside their mouth. In a very severe case, a person might have difficult breathing or may experience dizziness or a swollen tongue.
Time Frame
Allergic reactions to bee and wasp stings normally occur just minutes after the sting, but they can also be delayed by up to 24 hours. If someone is manifesting symptoms of a severe allergy, he must receive medical attention quickly.
Identification
Though an allergy to bees and wasps can be determined after a sting has occurred, the allergy can also be identified through the use of blood tests. Blood tests are used to measure the level of Venom IgE antibodies in the blood. However, high levels of these antibodies do not always mean a positive diagnosis of allergies. Skin prick tests--where a small amount of venom is introduced to the area to observe the results--are more reliable, but they also run the risk of provoking a serious reaction in a sensitive individual.
Treatment
Treatment of an allergic reaction to bee and wasp stings depends on the severity of the reaction. A dose of antihistamines is enough to deal with a mild reaction, and intra-muscular antihistamines or oral corticosteroids may be used for more serious reactions. Severe reactions, in which a person has gone into shock or is experiencing respiratory problems, are treated with intra-muscular adrenaline as well as an intra-muscular antihistamine.
Prevention/Solution
People with allergies to bee and wasp stings should avoid tall grass and orchards in blossom. They should also wear white clothes, as bees and wasps are drawn to bright colors on a dark background. They should also avoid wearing perfume or cologne outdoors as this can attract bees and wasps. People with severe reactions should carry an adrenaline injector and antihistamine medication. Wearing a medical bracelet can also let people know of your allergy if you have a reaction and have difficulty speaking.
Tags: wasp stings, allergic reaction, bees wasps, after sting, People with, severe allergic