What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bee Sting Allergy?
Quick Answer
Symptoms of a severe bee sting allergy include a widespread rash, dizziness, swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. Severe bee sting allergies can lead to unconsciousness and cardiac arrest within 10 minutes.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Most reactions to stinging insects are mild and amount to no more than pain, redness and swelling at the sting site. In some individuals, the swelling affects a larger area, such as a sting on the hand causing the lower arm to swell. Those larger, local reactions are also only uncomfortable and rarely dangerous.
In approximately 3 percent of adults, though, insect stings result in the much more serious reaction of anaphylaxis. Nearly 40 people die in the United States each year due to severe allergic reactions to stinging insects. The onset of anaphylactic shock might begin as much as an hour or more after a sting, but most severe allergies are evident within minutes. A hive-like rash is noticeable beyond the sting site, and swelling affects the face and throat. Wheezing, dizziness, rapid pulse and shortness of breath follow, and shock, unconsciousness and cardiac arrest may occur within minutes.
Prompt first aid and emergency treatment is essential. If possible, scrape away the stinger to prevent further exposure to the venom. Many individuals aware of a severe sting allergy carry epinephrine injectors and might be able to help a responder administer the medication. A call to emergency services is necessary prior to any lay responder treatment.
Learn more about Stinging InsectsRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Do You Do in the Event of a Bee Sting?
A: In the event of a single bee sting that doesn't cause an allergic reaction, the best course of action is to remove the stinger, wash the area, and apply ic... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Do You Know If You Are Having a Delayed Reaction to a Bee Sting?
A: Symptoms of a delayed reaction to a bee sting include fever, itching, rash, joint pain and fatigue. Clotting disorders and Inflammation of the brain, nerve... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Do You Treat Bee Stings at Home?
A: To treat bee stings at home, remove the stinger if it is still inside the wound, control swelling and treat symptoms from the bee sting using over-the-coun... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Are Some Potentially Dangerous Side Effects of Ubiquinone?
A: A potentially dangerous side effect of ubiquinone is an allergic reaction that may include dizziness, breathing difficulty, rash, itching, and swelling of ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What Are the Symptoms of L4 and L5 Nerve Damage?
-
Q:
What Are the Meanings of the Eight Shapes and Colors Used for Traffic Signs?
-
Q:
What Are the Key Signs a Wife Is Cheating on Her Husband?
-
Q:
What Are the Symptoms of a Tomato Allergy?
-
Q:
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer?
-
Q:
What Are Some Symptoms of Bell's Palsy?
