If you have ever been stung by a bee, I am sure you will describe the sensation of a bee sting as very painful, sharp and burning which may last, if you are lucky, at least for several minutes. As a matter of fact bee sting may show different effect in different people. Some may experience a mild effect as described above, which can get worse to the most serious, worst and deadly situation, an anaphylactic shock.
The message is that you should never take a bee sting too lightly. Be serious and act fast if you encounter somebody (or yourself) stung by a bee. An allergic reaction need only minutes to show the symptoms which include swelling and redness around the spot of bee sting which than can develop to a more serious situation. Watch for signs of anaphylactic reaction which is indicated by the presence of itching, red trashes (hives) and shortness of breath. Do not panic, here are some tips on how to manage somebody stung by a bee:
#1 - Evacuate the victim out of the bee area to a safer place or spot. If the victim stays at same place there is a great possibility that some other bees are encouraged to sting the victim.
#2 - Locate the spot(s) of bee stingers and remove it immediately without any delay. Remove it whatever way you do it, just remove it. The longer a stinger stays in the body the greater the risk for getting worse.
#3 - Ask the person whether he or she has experienced an allergic reaction (indicated by itching and red trashes) after being stung in the past. If yes means that the person is susceptible for another allergic reaction, which might even be worse than the previous one.
#4 - Check with the person whether he or she carries an EpiPen to immediately inject the epinephrine. If the EpiPen is not available you should call 911 immediately without any delay.
#5 - In cases where the victim was stung by more than 10 bees, or if the stung involves critical areas like the inner side of the nose, mouth or throat, you should bring the victim to the emergency department immediately. Swelling in these areas will narrow the air passage hence the victim will experience shortness of breath.
Sting effect relieves
If the bee sting does not cause any serious allergic effects where an emergency treatment is not necessary you can remedy the local effects of a bee sting with conventional drugs which include:
An antihistamine to cease the allergic reaction. Benedryl which contains diphenhydramine will do well although in some sensitive people it may show an effect of drowsiness. You can also take a less sedating anti allergic drug such as loratidine. Topical antihistamine may also be used the reduce the allergic effect locally.
A pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
An antibiotic ointment may be needed to cure possible wound infection at the spot of the stinger. Check with your doctor whether you need a tetanus immunization.
You should also keep in mind that naturally most of the bees do not sting unless they feel annoyed or endangered by something. Thus try to avoid that this something is you. And if you do beekeeping, it suggested that you use your beekeeper suit.
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