Bee Stings
General
Bees come in many varieties. Some can sting only once, while others can sting you multiple times.
The reactions caused by the sting consist of:
The immediate pain response
Local redness and swelling. When the swelling is large (back of the hand, an arm or leg) it is often called an arthus reaction, a particular type of reaction that is not a life threatening reaction usually
Effects of the release of epinephrine from your own body due to the excitement of the moment
Anaphylactic reactions with throat swelling, mouth or lip swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, circulation collapse, and shock
What to Do
Is there evidence of a generalized reaction ? Anaphylaxis ? If so, then call 911 immediately. Take a diphenhydramine if you have any available, but only if swallowing is still easy. Get to a hospital as soon as possible.
Remove the stinger, if this can be easily accomplished, with a sharp blade, needle or fingernail.
Apply a cold pack or ice in a bag to the area. Do not apply heat.
If a leg or arm is becoming swollen, then elevate it.
By the next day the area stung may itch. This can be treated with topical diphenhydramine, or with hydrocortisone 1% cream.
If the bite area becomes remarkably swollen and associated with streaking up the arm or leg, along with fever or chills, then you need to consider the possibility that an infection is developing. This does occur occaisionally, and will likely need treatment with an antibiotic. Contact us to be seen immediately.
If you have not had a tetanus shot in the past ten years, you probably should have one. Who knows where the bee last sat down !
See also the notes on allergy.
