PARENT CARE: BEE OR YELLOW JACKET STING

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR BEE OF YELLOW JACKET STING

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) (for symptom of anaphalxis) If

Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Hoarseness, cough or tightness in the throat or chest
Difficulty swallowing or slurred speech
Thinking or speech is confused
Passed out or very weak
Previous severe allergic reaction to bees, yellow jackets, etc. (not just hives or swelling)
(Note: anaphylaxis usually starts within 20 minutes, and always by 2 hours following 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

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick.
Hives or swelling occur elsewhere on the body
More than 10 stings
Any contact with an animal at risk for RABIES.
Sting inside the mouth

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen.
Sting looks infected (red streaking from the sting area, yellow drainage)
(Note: infection and cellulitis don't start until at least 24-48 hours after the sting. Any redness in the first 24 hours is due to venom)
Swelling is huge (e.g., spreads beyond wrist or ankle)

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If

Normal bee sting and you don't think your child needs to be seen

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 7/2002

See Other Topics:

Insect Bite

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