Treat an Allergic Reaction to a Bee Sting

In this article I will discuss what to do and how to treat an allergic reaction to a bee sting When doing yard work, playing, or picnicing, bee stings are a very real hazard when enjoying the outdoors during the spring and summer months. For most people a bee sting is a painful, yet relatively insignificant event. You pull the stinger out, the spot swells a little and continues to throb for a while, then within a few minutes you forget about it. For kids, the experience of a bee sting is more intense. There may be some tears, and some mad hopping around, but in the end the experience of the bee sting becomes almost a badge of honor, something to brag about to friends and family. However, for a small percentage of the population a bee sting is a much deadlier occurrence, and knowing how to treat an allergic reaction to a bee sting can literally be the difference between life and death in some cases.

1 - Leave the immediate vicinity where the bee sting occurred

Bees will only sting when they feel threatened, and that same instinct will cause them to release an odor meant to attract other bees to help. If you, or someone with you has been stung, you want to get out of the vicinity to avoid being stung multiple times and exponentially worsening any potential reactions.

2 - Remove the stinger

Step 2 in treating an allergic reaction to a bee sting is to remove the stinger itself to prevent more venom from entering the bloodstream. Use a fingernail to "brush" the stinger out of the skin. If this doesn't work then gently pull the stinger out, trying to squeeze as little as possible to avoid pushing more venom out.

3 - Use the Epi-pen

If the person stung has a known allergy to bee stings then they will probably have an Epi-Pen on their person in the event of a sting. Use the device as directed (usually by injection into the thigh). If an Epi-Pen is not present, call 9-1-1 right away. Even if the person shows no immediate signs of distress it is better to be safe than sorry.

4 - Be vigilant for signs of anaphylaxis

Vigilance is key when learning how to treat an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Even after the Epi-Pen injection there is a chance of an anaphylactic reaction. If the person stung starts to experience shortness of breath, or start to break out in hives call 9-1-1 immediately, so the person affected can get medical attention. Antihistamines can be used to help until medical personnel arrive, but they will not stop anaphylaxis. Emergency medical care is vital if the Epi-Pen does not stop the reaction.

Hopefully these tips will never have to be used, but if you do find yourself in a situation where you have to treat an allergic reaction to a bee sting they will help you to remain calm and in control of the situation.