Bee Sting Allergy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Distinguish ordinary pain and swelling, a large local reaction and systemic allergy. Describing the symptoms and timing helps determine whether allergy testing or venom immunotherapy is appropriate.

Related reading: Acute urticaria.

A reaction may remain limited to redness, pain and nearby swelling. Generalized itching, hives, tongue or throat swelling, wheezing, dizziness or fainting indicate wider involvement. Anaphylaxis can occur without an obvious rash.

In a sensitized person, the immune system reacts to venom components. Bees and other stinging insects such as wasps can cause allergy, but similar symptoms do not establish an identical venom or treatment plan.

Outdoor occupations and hobbies increase exposure. Previous systemic reactions and some mast-cell disorders make specialist assessment particularly important. Local redness alone cannot predict the severity of every future sting.

After a systemic reaction, an allergist assesses the history and selects skin or specific-antibody testing. Sensitization on a test without a compatible reaction history does not alone determine treatment. Severe reactions may warrant additional investigations.

For anaphylaxis, use prescribed epinephrine according to the device instructions and plan and call emergency services even if symptoms improve. Lie down with legs raised, or raise your shoulders and sit up slowly if breathing is difficult; do not stand or walk. For local reactions, remove a remaining stinger promptly, clean the skin and apply a cold compress; never delay emergency care for these steps.

Anaphylaxis may obstruct breathing or cause shock, and symptoms can recur after initial improvement. Clinicians decide observation needs. Large local swelling may last several days without necessarily indicating an infection requiring antibiotics.

Avoid nests or removing them yourself, wear shoes and cover outdoor food and drinks. After systemic allergy, discuss emergency medication, training and venom immunotherapy. Immunotherapy suits selected patients and does not replace sensible precautions.