Am I Allergic To Bee Stings?

Do you have an instant, sharp burning pain at the sting site?

Do you have a red welt at the sting area?

Do you have a slight swelling around the sting area?

Do you have extreme redness at the sting site?

Do you have swelling at the site of the sting that gradually enlarges over the next day or two?

Do you have hives and itching, and flushed or pale skin?

Do you have difficulty breathing?

Do you have swelling of the throat and tongue?

Do you have a weak, rapid pulse?

Do you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea?

Do you have dizziness or fainting (loss of consciousness)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you are allergic to a bee sting. Every year, thousands of people around the world seek medical help due to bee stings. However, it is much more common for people to be afraid of bee stings than they are allergic to them. It is perfectly normal to have some type of reaction after you get a bee sting. You may have redness, itching, and swelling on the site of the sting, that may hurt for a while and then it goes away. You can apply an ice pack to the affected area or take an antihistamine to ease the symptoms.

Based on your answers you have a moderate reaction to a bee sting. Bees are not usually aggressive insects and will only sting you in self-defense if they feel threatened. A bee sting contains venom that affects the cells in your skin and your immune system. In some people, bee venom can cause a more intense reaction of the immune system. In this case, the swelling on the sting site will expand to the surrounding area. The swelling can affect the entire arm or leg, which can look quite alarming. Moderate reaction usually goes away within 10 days. Talk to your doctor about prevention and treatment.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you are allergic to a bee sting. An allergic reaction to a bee sting is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience severe symptoms after a bee sting that includes hives and trouble breathing and swallowing, get emergency treatment straightaway. You will often need to stay in the hospital overnight. Treatment includes epinephrine shot to reduce the allergic response of your body, oxygen and medications such as antihistamines and cortisone. The most severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. Talk to your allergist about venom immunotherapy, which is the long-term treatment of insect sting allergy.