Bee and Wasp Stings

When to Seek Medical Care continued...

Although most stings do not require medical care, remember some stings can be serious or even fatal. If you have the slightest suspicion that someone is having a generalized or allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately. In many areas dialing 911 for an ambulance may be your best option. (Try to avoid driving yourself to the hospital if you believe you are suffering from an allergic reaction—you may lose consciousness and have an accident.)

Go to a hospital’s emergency department immediately if someone is showing evidence of an allergic reaction. Remember, an allergic reaction may occur in people with no prior history of allergic reactions. Any of the following may indicate an allergic reaction:

• Difficulty breathing
  
  
• Difficulty speaking
  
  
• Swelling in the mouth or throat
  
  
• Rash all over the body
  
  
• Faintness or decreased level of consciousness
  
  
• If more than 10-20 stings have occurred, especially with wasp stings or in children, elderly people, or people with underlying medical problems
  
  
• If the sting involves the inside of the mouth or throat, especially if in children and/or involves more than 1 sting
  
  
• If the sting involves the eyeball itself
  
  
• If a person has been stung by an insect species that has previously caused an allergic reaction in the person—even if there is no evidence of a current allergic reaction (The safe thing to do is to head for an emergency department in case the person suddenly develops an allergic reaction.)
  
  
• If a large localized reaction (redness greater than about 10 inches across) or evidence of infection (increasing pain, swelling, redness, drainage of pus or fever) is present at the sting site or sites and you cannot contact your personal doctor promptly

Exams and Tests

Emergency department evaluation will likely first include checking the vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, and temperature). The doctor will then focus on examining you for evidence of breathing or airway difficulties, shock, and widespread rash.

A history, including current medications, underlying medical problems, and previous allergic reactions, will be obtained.

Your physical examination and vital signs will largely determine what treatment is given. Blood work, x-rays, and other tests are rarely needed.

Bee and Wasp Stings Treatment

Treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. It is important to note that no specific antivenom is available to counteract the poison injected by the insect. The majority of problems requiring medical treatment result from the allergic reaction to the sting. Many of the complications from an allergic reaction respond well to various medications—when given in time.