ALTERNATIVE THERAPY SERIES NO: 25 BEE AND WASP STINGS

Kay Kay Healthcare Ltd.

BEE AND WASP STINGS



SYMPTOMS

In most cases, a bee or wasp sting causes only minor symptoms at the site of the sting, including:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Itching or burning.

Allergic reaction may produce extensive swelling. Allergic are also responsible for an even more serious, and potentially fatal, condition called anaphylatic shock. (see Emergencies/first aid: shock). Multiple sting can produce a toxic reaction, with the same symptoms:

• Rapid swelling around the eyes, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Wheezing or hoarseness.

• Itching, cramping, or numbness that is severe.

• Dizziness.

• A reddish rash, or hives.

• Stomach cramps.

• Loss of consciousness.



WHAT IS BEE AND WASP STING

The venom from bee and wasp sting causes local swelling, pain, and redness, which usually go away within several hours. Some people who are allergic to the venom experience larger local reaction, with more extensive swelling.

For about 3 percent of people, however, a sting can trigger a life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis (from the Greek for “ nonhealing”). Painful hives and swelling may progress rapidly to block off airways, causing circulatory collapse and, sometimes, death. In the united states, about 50 people die each year from sting induces anaphylactic shock, primarily people over 40 with preexisting heart disease. If you are stung by the swarm of 50 to 100 bees, the effect can be similar to that of anaphylactic shock.

The only insect with true stinger belong to the order Hymenoptera, including the Apidae (honeybees and humblebees) and Vespidae ( wasp, ywllow jackets, white faced hornest, and yellow hornest). The stinging mechanism, located in the female abdomen, consists of stinger attached to a venom filled sac. the honeybees stinger has multiple barbs so that it usually remains in the wound, causing the bees death. Wasps, whose stinger do not have barbs, can sting more than once.



CAUSES

The venom of Hymenoptera contains toxins and inflammatory agents that cause the local pain and swelling that go away after a few hours. Some people, however, are allergic to elements in the venom and have more severe reactions, which can range from extended swelling to potentially fatal anaphylactic shock. The process of sting induced allergies. Is poorly understood. Like other allergies, sting allergy appear to run in families. But scientist still don’t understand why only 60 percent of allergic adults and only 8 percent of allergic children shock when stung.

A person may be stung many time and have only normal reaction, then suddenly one sting will produce a strong allergic reaction. Doctors are not sure why a person suddenly develop such sensitivity or why sensitivity may last fewer than 3 months or more than 25 years.



DIAGNOSTIC AND TEST PROCEDURES

Your doctor can determine if you are allergic to bee and wasp sting with a simple skin test, using purified, freeze dried venom. However, only about 20 percent of people with positive skin test suffer reaction to real sting.



TREATMENT

For most stings, minimal treatment, such as a cold compress or ice pack, is sufficient. If you have multiple sting or severe allergic reaction, you need medical help at once.



CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE

For pain, take aspirin or acetaminophen. For strong reaction, try diphenhydramine or another nonprescription antihistamine. For children, use cough medicine containing antihistamine.

For anaphylactic shock, the usual treatment is the bronchodilator epinephrine. You may give yourself an injection from bee-sting kit; but after the injection, see a doctor promptly for further treatment. ( Note: bee sting kits are designed for adults; for children, read the direction).



ALTERNATIVE CHOICES

HERBAL THRAPIES

Apply aloe (Aloe barbadensis) or the fresh bruised leaf or juice of plantain. Or apply calendula (calendula officinalis) ointment four times a day.



HOMEOPATHY

A homeopath may recommended applying a few drops of pyrethrum tincture, available over the counter, to a sting. For swelling, take, Apis (30C) every 30 minutes to 2 hours.



AT HOME REMEDIES

If the stinging apparatus remains in the skin, scrape it always with a knife or fingernail; if you use tweezers, you may squeeze more venom into the skin. For bee sting, a paste of backing soda will ease the itching. Wasp sting are alkaline and can be neutralized by vinegar or lemon juice.



PRVENTION

• To avoid sting induced shock if you are allergic, carry a bee sting kit. You should also wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace describing your allergy.

• If you have had a severe reaction to a sting and positive venom skin test, venom immune therapy a series of weekly injection of venom is highly effective at preventing anaphylaxis.

• Reduce your chance of being sting by avoiding brightly colored, white, or pastel clothing. Don’t use cosmetic or perfume with floral scents. Food odors attract insects, especially yellow jackets, so be alert when you are cooking or eating outdoors.