A bee sting can come from a variety of different types of bees such as the honey bee or the bumblebee, but does not include the wasp, hornet, or the horse-fly insect. These creatures have different types of venoms in which a person can react to very differently. When stinging a human, the stinger is torn from the bee’s body which inevitably leads to its death with a very short period of time. This is perhaps one reason why the only stings when it is provoked or when protecting its nest. These creatures as other similar creatures are very protective of their nests.
The bee sting is very painful but for those who are allergic to them, there may be a dangerous anaphylactic reaction that can even lead to death. Honey bees release a certain pheromone that results other bees to react and to attack which also can be quite dangerous for anyone, even those who aren’t allergic, however death due to this cause is very rare.
Diagnosis of a bee sting if the individual has not seen it may be told through the stinger being left in the skin. Also, the area turns red, inflamed, burning sensation and sudden pain, and a white spot where the stinger went into the skin. Those that are allergic may get hives all over the body, shortness of breath, cough, lightheaded and even loss of consciousness. Those that are severely allergic may have a full-blown allergy shock which is better known as anaphylaxis. There is hives, itching, paleness of the skin, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing which may be due to a swelling of the throat and tongue, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of consciousness.
The first step to the treatment is removing the stinger. This should be done as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter which method is used as the amount of venom deposited into the victim will not change. It can be pinched or scraped off. It is the length of time that it is left in the skin which can induce more venom. Once the stinger is removed, a cold cloth or compress should be placed on the area. There are home remedies that can be used to take away the discomfort such as garlic, salt, baking soda, onions and even urine. This can be a remedy for the surface venom but the substance that reaches under the skin is not likely to be affected. The patient should avoid scratching the sting as it will only aggravate the area. The pain will last for a few hours, the swelling and itching may last for a week.
For those people that have an allergic reaction to it should be brought to the hospital for attention. Epinephrine may be administered to those with severe reactions. They must be treated also to prevent them from going into shock. Once they are taken care of, they may be recommended to have an EpiPen with them for the future as well as treatment against these reactions through injections of increased concentrations of the venom.
