BEE STING

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Bee Sting of Right Elbow

Typical localized reaction to a bee sting.
There is moderate swelling and a slight pink color to the skin around the right elbow. There is mild pain and itching.
This bee sting occurred 12 hours ago.

Bee Sting of Upper Arm

Typical localized reaction to a bee sting.
There is mild redness in an oval 4 inches (10 cm) wide of the left upper arm.

Bee Sting of Left Hand

Moderate swelling of left hand from a bee sting that occurred the day before.

Honey Bee

Hornet

Wasp

Definition

Stung by a honeybee, bumblebee, hornet, wasp, or yellow jacket
The usual symptoms are localized pain, swelling, itching, and mild redness at the sting site.

General Information

Over 95 percent of stings are from honeybees or yellow jackets.
The sting injects venom into the human from the bee's stinger.
Tetanus booster following a sting is not considered necessary.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the medical term for a severe life-threatening allergic reaction.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include: feeling faint or passing out, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, hives, wheezing and/or cough. Onset of symptoms is sometimes within seconds and usually within 20 minutes.
Individuals who have had severe reactions to previous stings should have an anaphylaxis kit (e.g. Ana-Kit, Epi-Pen) and keep it nearby if there is any risk of a sting.

FIRST AID Advice for Anaphylaxis

Give epinephrine injection if you have an anaphylactic kit. Inject it into the muscle of the upper outer thigh.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

Bite or sting from an insect other than a bee, wasp or yellow jacket, see INSECT BITES

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

Revised 8/2004

See Other Topics:

Insect Bite

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