Bee Sting Allergy
What is it?
Bee sting allergies occur in people who have an
abnormally high sensitivity to bee stings, which cause a
physical reaction. Allergic reactions to bee stings can be
life threatening.
Who gets it?
Anyone can suffer allergic reactions to bee stings.
Although more people die from severe allergic reactions to
bee stings each year than from snake bites, only a small
number of people with bee sting allergies suffer these
types of fatal reactions.
What causes it?
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system
produces antibodies and other disease fighting cells in
response to an allergen, in this case the bee sting. The
antibodies release chemicals that actually injure the
surrounding cells and cause the physical symptoms of an
allergic reaction. Certain antibodies release histamines,
which affect the skin, mucous membrane, mucous gland, and
smooth muscle cells. Life-threatening allergic reactions
can occur without any previous symptoms of allergy. In
fact, most people with bee sting allergies do not
experience a severe reaction with their first sting.
Multiple stings increase the risk of an allergic reaction,
but just one sting will cause serious symptoms for someone
who is severely allergic.
What are the symptoms?
Bee sting allergy symptoms often begin with a dry
cough. Then, the eye area begins to itch and swell. As
symptoms progress, the patient begins to sneeze and
wheeze, and develop hives that itch. These symptoms may be
warning signs of a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis.
Symptoms include sudden anxiety and weakness, difficulty
breathing, tightness in the chest, very low blood
pressure, loss of consciousness, and shock. Anaphylactic
shock can occur within minutes and result in death. A
patient in anaphylactic shock needs immediate medical
treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Bee sting allergies are diagnosed according to the
specific symptoms that follow a bee sting.
What is the treatment?
People who are allergic to bee stings should, of
course, avoid situations in which they are likely to get
stung. Anaphylactic shock is treated with an injection of
epinephrine, a hormone that stimulates the heart and
relaxes the airways. This may be combined with an
injection of an antihistamine, which counteracts the
histamine produced by the immune cells during an allergic
reaction. Those who are known to have severe bee sting
allergies should carry a self-injection kit, including
antihistamine tablets, for emergency treatment. However,
they should still seek medical care after any type of
reaction to a bee sting. People who are severely allergic
may undergo a desensitization program, in which a series
of injections of bee venom are given in increasingly
larger doses until the body shows that it can be
tolerated. This type of program must be administered by an
allergy specialist and it may take anywhere from 15 to 20
weeks to develop an immunity. These are followed up with
monthly booster shots.
Self-care tips
There are many ways you can help prevent bee stings.
Don’t use flowery colognes, soaps, or lotions, or wear
brightly colored clothing, which attract bees. If a bee is
near you, move away. Do not swat at the bee, which may
aggravate it. Make sure any bee or wasp nests around your
home are removed and destroyed.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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