Insects that sting include:
Bumblebees
Honeybees
Hornets
Wasps
Yellow jackets
Fire ants
Symptoms
Most often, the symptoms that come from these insect stings include:
Quick, sharp pain
Swelling
Itching
Redness at the sting site
Hives (See Hives)
Insect stings can even result in a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of this
include:
Severe swelling, all over and/or
of the face, tongue, lips
Weakness, dizziness
A difficult time breathing or swallowing
Airway obstruction or shock
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction usually happen soon after or within an hour of the sting. A severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening. It needs immediate emergency care.
If you've ever had an allergic reaction to an insect sting in the past, you
should carry an emergency kit that has:
Adrenalin (a medicine called
epinephrine that stops the bodywide reaction) and a device with a needle to inject it
An antihistamine
An inhaler that contains adrenalin
Instruction sheet that explains how to use
the kit
You have to get this kit from your doctor. You should also wear a medical alert tag that lets others know that you are allergic to insect stings. Persons who have had severe reactions in the past to bee or wasp stings should ask their doctor about allergy shots.
Prevention
Try to avoid getting stung.
Keep food and drink containers
tightly covered. (Bees love sweet things like soft drinks.)
Don't wear perfume, colognes, or hair spray
when you are outdoors.
Don't wear bright colors. Choose white, or
neutral colors like tan. These don't attract bees.
Wear snug clothing that covers your arms
and legs.
Don't go barefoot.
If camping, look for insects in your shoes
before you wear them.
Wear insect repellents especially if you
are sensitive to insect stings.
Be careful when:
Working outdoors
Pulling weeds
Removing shutters from the house to paint. (Bees often build hives behind shutters.)
Mowing tall grass
If an insect that stings gets in your car,
stop the car, roll down the windows and get the insect out of the car.
| If you are stung by an insect, do you have any of these problems? Problems breathing and/or
swallowing Swelling all over Swollen tongue, lips or face Throat that feels closed up Skin that turns blue Seizure Wheezing {Note: Give shot from emergency sting kit if there is one. Follow other instructions in kit.}  |
 |
| Were you stung in the mouth or on the tongue? {Note: Give shot from emergency sting kit if there is one. Follow other instructions in kit.} |
|
| Do you have any of these problems after you are stung by an
insect? Hives Stomach cramps |
 |
Gently scrape out the stinger as soon as
possible. Use a credit card or a fingernail. This applies to bees only. Yellow jackets,
wasps, and hornets don't lose their stingers.
Don't pull the stinger out with your
fingers or tweezers. Don't squeeze the stinger. It contains venom. You could re-sting
yourself.
Clean the sting area with soapy water.
Put a cold compress on the sting. Put ice
in a cloth, plastic bag, or plastic wrap. Don't put ice directly on the skin. Hold the
cold compress on the site for 15-20 minutes.
Keep the sting area lower than the level of
the heart.
Take an over-the-counter medicine for the
pain. {Note: See Pain
relievers in "Your Home Pharmacy".}
Take an over-the-counter antihistamine,
such as Benadryl, for the itching and swelling unless you have to avoid this medicine for
medical reasons. Look on the label for how much to take.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 04/20/99