Bee sting safety
With summer just around the corner, many are taking full advantage of warm and sunny days. The nice weather is synonymous with being outside and with the outdoor exposure comes a variety of risks as well. Awareness is a large component of outdoor safety and many will fare well just by taking the time to ensure pools are safely gated and supervised, sunscreen is applied and bike helmets are properly worn, to name a few.
One injury can be a little more difficult to prevent: bee stings. The odds are good that someone you know will get stung by bee this summer. In most cases, bee stings result in a reaction at the site, which can be treated with ice alone. Minor swelling and itching can also be managed with antihistamines like Benadryl®.
With that said, it is also very important to watch for signs of a severe allergic reaction. These reactions might include more severe swelling, a dry cough, itchy swollen eyes, sneezing, wheezing or hives. More serious symptoms could include tightness in the chest, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing or swallowing or even shock. These symptoms can be life threatening. Therefore, it is important to stay with someone until the threat of a serious reaction has passed.
What is an allergic reaction? Allergic reactions occur when the body reacts to a foreign agent in the body. This leads to a chemical reaction, which can affect the skin, mucous membranes, glands or muscle tissue. Just because you have previously suffered a bee sting without having a reaction does not mean you will never have one. Allergies can develop over time.
If you or a loved one has a severe bee sting allergy, it is important to avoid situations where you may be more likely to get stung. Scented colognes, soaps and lotions, as well as brightly colored clothing attract bees. Also, leaving an open can of pop unattended is an invitation to thirsty bees. When bees do come around, avoid your natural tendency to swat at them as this threatens the bee and makes it more likely to attack.
Anyone who has a severe bee sting allergy should ask his or her physician about a self-injectable epinephrine kit (EpiPen®). Epinephrine reverses the allergic reaction, at least temporarily, and can provide the life-saving time needed to get further treatment in the emergency department.
There are treatments available to help desensitize those with allergies. An allergist, such as Dr. Paul Ogershok, can help discuss these options with you.
It is very important to seek medical help as quickly as possible if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction. If this happens, don’t hesitate to call 911. Our emergency team of local EMS providers and emergency department staff are waiting to help you get the care you need.