Bee Sting

Bee Sting

A bee sting or insect sting allergy (anaphylaxis) is a rare occurrence. Reportedly, only 0.5% to 5% of the populations of either New York or New Jersey report suffering from anaphylaxis, which is indicative of the overall population of the United States. Anaphylaxis is the cause of 40 or more deaths per year.

In the United States, the most common causes of insect stings are bees, yellow jackets, fire ants, wasps and hornets. Typically, an insect sting results in pain, swelling, and local irritation. Seldom, the swelling may spread beyond the sting site and cause large area swelling to occur. Some stings, such as those from a fire ant, will leave a blister that may cause secondary infections, and scarring. Even in cases with these often alarming reactions, there is no need to worry as the body will heal itself. Treatments for swelling or pain, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, may be administered to reduce patient discomfort.

An allergic reaction to an insect sting is a serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Symptoms include itching, hives, and swelling in areas other than the sting site. The patient’s throat may swell, his or her tongue may feel itchy, and he or she may describe tightness in the chest accompanied by difficulty in breathing. In the case of anaphylaxis, the patient will suffer from dizziness, a sharp drop in blood pressure, and possibly lose consciousness or go into cardiac arrest. Anaphylaxis is life threatening and requires attention within minutes of a sting.

Treatment of bee sting allergies is twofold, the first part being the immediate treatment of the symptoms associated with anaphylaxis. The second part of the treatment strategy consists of preventive treatment of the allergy that causes the reaction with venom immunotherapy.

Common emergency treatments are drugs such as epinephrine, antihistamines and sometimes, oxygen, intravenous fluids, corticosteroids amongst others. For those who have had an allergic reaction to a sting in the past, it is recommended that they carry epinephrine with them at all times in case of a further sting.

In order to treat anaphylaxis long term, venom immunotherapy has been developed. This is a highly effective treatment that is administered by an allergist-immunologist. The treatment consists of administering increasingly large doses of a venom which causes the patient’s body to develop a resistance to it and prevent future potentially life threatening reactions.

The best form of cure, however, is prevention. Stinging insects are most active in the warmer months of the spring and summer. An individual working or playing in the outdoors should always be aware of his or her surroundings and seek to avoid contact with insects that may have built colonies in the ground, bushes, or trees.

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