When to call 911 for a bee sting?
If you notice any shortness of breath, chest or throat tightening, or swelling away from the site of the sting, especially your tongue or lips, call 911 immediately. These are signs of anaphylaxis, which could be deadly without an emergency shot of epinephrine. Non-emergency stings can be treated differently.
What happens when you get stung by a bee?
Bee sting venom contains proteins that affect skin cells and the immune system, causing pain and swelling around the sting area. In people with a bee sting allergy, bee venom can trigger a more-serious immune system reaction.
What to do if you have an allergic reaction to a bee sting?
If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about treatment and prevention, especially if the reaction becomes more severe each time. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to bee stings is potentially life-threatening and requires emergency treatment.
How long does it take to heal from a bee sting?
The initial severe pain and burning from a bee sting lasts approximately one to two hours, but swelling can increase for up to 48 hours after the sting and last longer depending on the site of the sting.
When to go to the emergency department for bee stings?
Anyone who has been stung multiple times (10 is a good rule of thumb) needs to go to the emergency department. As mentioned above, there is almost always a local reaction. That means even the least allergic folks will have trouble when given enough bee venom. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback!
What happens when a female bee stings you?
When females of certain bee species sting you, they leave behind a barbed stinger attached to a venom sack. The stinger can continue injecting venom into your body until it’s removed, so it’s important to remove the stinger right away.
What’s the best way to remove a bee sting?
Remove the stinger. If the stinger remains in your skin, remove it by scraping over it with your fingernail or a piece of gauze. Never use tweezers to remove a stinger, as squeezing it can cause more venom to release into your skin.
How long does it take for a bee sting to go away?
The initial severe pain and burning from a bee sting lasts approximately one to two hours, but swelling can increase for up to 48 hours after the sting and last longer depending on the site of the sting. More sensitive areas like the face may take several days for the inflammation to subside. What is the most common insect to sting?