Bee Sting

Any sting from a bee to a human being.

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

Bee stings can occur any time and place that bees are active. In general,bees are active when the temperature is above freezing. Bees are most often found inwooded areas in the spring, summer, and fall but may also live in more settled areas.Bees and wasps like to build their nests around trees and other brush but may also doso on the eaves of houses.

What are the signs and symptoms of the injury?

Possible symptoms include:

How is the injury recognized?

Most people feel a bee sting and often even see the bees or wasps that sting them.

What can be done to prevent the injury?

If you know that bees, wasps, or their nests are in an area, try to avoidthem. Avoid actions that agitate or irritate a group of bees or wasps in or around theirnests.

What are the treatments for the injury?

For most people who are stung, the only problems will be swelling andpain. Ice compresses can help relieve these symptoms. Over-the-counter medicinessuch as ibuprofenor acetaminophen can also help.However, some people have severe allergic reactions, called anaphylactic reactions.These people may need to have epinephrinegiven in a shot.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Epinephrineis a very powerful drug and can cause a change in the regular beat of the heart, calledarrhythmias. This drug can also result in a decreased blood flow and can raise bloodpressure. If epinephrineis needed for an anaphylactic reaction, the affected person should seekemergency care as soon as possible after the bee sting.

What happens after treatment for the injury?

In most people, the swelling and redness at the injury site will resolvewithin a week. There may be times when the site becomes itchy, but the person should try to avoidscratching. No unusual side effects should occur after this.