Facts
  • Although many insects are poisonous, bees, wasps, and ants are most likely to cause medical problems.
  • Because many of these species live in colonies, a victim may receive many stings.
  • Venom is poisonous and may cause direct injury that is usually confined to areas close to the sting(s) and often responds to home remedies for pain and swelling.
  • Stings cause allergic reactions in people whose immune systems are sensitive to venom.
  • Those who are allergic to or have had numerous stings may have a more serious reaction.
  • Anaphylaxis is a full-blown allergy attack that can be life-threatening.
  • Stings are rarely fatal unless multiple stings or anaphylaxis occurs.
  • In the U.S. about 40 deaths are reported each year from insect venom anaphylaxis.
  • These fatal allergic reactions frequently, but not always, occur in people who have had a previous allergic reaction to the same type of insect.
  • While most deaths occur within the first hour, serious or even fatal allergic reactions may happen up to four or more hours after an insect sting.

 

Causes of Injury
  • Injection of venom from a bite of a bee, wasp or ant
  • Severity of reaction depends on the victim's sensitivity to venom

 

Prevention
  • Avoid scents and colors that attract bees:
    • avoid blooming flowers and ripe fruit;
    • avoid eating sweet foods outside;
    • avoid perfume, cologne, scented soap and other scented products;
    • wear light-colored clothes and avoid bright patterns.
  • Minimize your exposure:
    • wear long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and hat;
    • wear shoes when walking outside;
    • drive with the windows rolled up.
  • If bees are swarming, stay calm (swatting at an insect may cause it to sting).
  • If a bee stings leave the area because they release a chemical that attracts other bees.
  • Preventing an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis
    • See your doctor if there are signs of an allergic reaction following a bee sting.
    • Identify the allergy and take precautions to help prevent allergic reactions.
    • Get an emergency epinephrine injector (EpiPen, TwinJect) for use following a sting.
    • Wear a medical ID bracelet that lets people know you have a bee sting allergy.

 

Planning / Packing Guide
  • For anyone allergic to bee stings:
    • Epinephrine injections
    • Medical ID bracelet

 

Symptoms
  • Stings:
    • instant, sharp, burning pain
    • red, raised welt at the sting area
    • small, white spot at the puncture site
    • slight swelling around the area of the sting
    • Usually swelling and pain go away after a few hours and cause minor discomfort.
    • Stings in the mouth and throat can cause swelling and obstruction of the airway.
  • Mild allergic reaction:
    • large area of swelling
    • itching or hives all over the body
    • cough, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath
  • Severe allergic reaction:
    • lightheadedness
    • loss of consciousness
    • upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
  • Anaphylaxis
    • difficulty breathing
    • swelling of the throat, tongue or other areas of the body
    • weak and rapid pulse
    • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
    • dizziness or fainting
    • loss of consciousness

 

First Aid
  • Remove the stinger as soon as possible to prevent release of venom.
  • Scrape the stinger out with the edge of a credit card or fingernail.
  • Avoid squeezing the attached venom sac, which can release more venom.
  • Clean the area with soap and water.
  • Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
  • Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to relieve redness, itching and swelling.
  • Take an oral antihistamine that contains diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol Severe Allergy) or chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) for severe itching or swelling.
  • Don't scratch the sting area as this will worsen itching and swelling and cause infection.
  • Carry an emergency epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, TwinJect) if you are allergic.
  • Be sure to replace epinephrine before its expiration date, or it may not work properly.

 

Related Links
  • Bee Stings http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bee-stings/DS01067/METHOD=print&DSECTION=all
  • Insect Bites and Stings: First Aid http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-insect-bites/FA00046/METHOD=print