Bee stings are a common nuisance during the spring and summer months, and many people dismiss the occasional bee without giving our health a second thought. While the vast majority of bee stings are simple irritations, some people experience an allergic reaction. In severe cases, someone will have a systemic reaction also known as anaphylaxis. This means the entire body is reacting allergically and the situation can be so serious that it can kill you.
Usually when someone is stung by a bee, the reaction is a red area around the sting site, and mild stinging pain that passes in due time. With anaphylaxis, the symptoms can be much more dangerous. The symptoms of anaphylaxis may appear in minutes or even hours after the sting.
One of the first potential symptoms of anaphylaxis is a severe urge to itch all over. This sensation can literally cover your entire body and it is not uncommon for hives and swelling to begin to appear. This is especially true around the sting site, but can appear anywhere on the body.
A bee sting victim might also begin to feel flush or faint, and like with many allergic reactions may develop a runny nose that itches and sometimes burns. Their eyes may begin to water and itch as well, and sneezing is common.
While all of the above symptoms are signals that an allergic reaction is happening, there are other more serious symptoms of anaphylaxis. If the bee sting victim begins to have trouble breathing, or their lips begin to swell, this is a medical emergency. They can also get swelling of the throat which can cut off their air supply.
Other potential symptoms of anaphylaxis include cramps, throwing up, diarrhea, and passing out. Often the bee sting victim that is experiencing anaphylaxis passes out due to low blood pressure. This too is a medical emergency.
If the bee sting victim has a history of allergies of any kind, and in particular asthma, then treat a bee sting as a potentially life threatening emergency. Remain calm, but get them to the emergency room right away. Allergic reactions from bee stings can be a very serious situation. This is especially true of someone that has been stung repeatedly.
The number one stinging bees that you are likely to run into are honeybees, wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets. These bees are all aggressive if you get near their hives, and all are capable of delivering stings en masse. The yellowjacket in particular is highly aggressive and often not even seen until it stings you. They burrow in the ground to build their nests, and often we come upon them without knowing. It is important to educate yourself about the bees found in your area.
If you are stung by a bee, and you have any question about anaphylaxis, it is better to be safe than sorry. Consult a doctor right away. The vast majority of humans will not experience this horrible reaction, but for those that do it is serious.
Image Credit To Wikipedia User Waugsberg
