Allergy symptoms from bee stings range from mild local swelling to life-threatening medical emergencies. This is why doctors counsel individuals with known bee allergies to carry prescription insect sting remedies at all times.
Most people get local reactions that affect only the sting site, but a first occurrence can set up sensitive individuals for allergic reactions the next time they get stung. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, wasps and yellow jackets as well as bees transfer the same type of venom.
Emergency Treatments
People who have had allergic reactions to bees in the past should call 911 and implement emergency measures when stung. These patients should be prepared to treat themselves upon experiencing a painful bite in the presence of bees. Physicians prescribe epinephrine, an adrenalin shot, for those with known or suspected allergy symptoms from bee contact.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that in addition to regular syringe injections, thigh injectors provide quick, easy treatments for self-administration. Epinephrine shots help prevent full-blown allergic reactions called anaphylaxis, a serious condition that affects the heart and lungs. For anaphylaxis allergy symptoms, paramedics may treat patients with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, oxygen and intravenous fluids.
First Aid
For stabilized patients, clearing the wound area marks the local first aid step. Because swelling can be severe, the Cleveland Clinic suggests quickly removing rings if stung on the hand. The venom sac at the end of the bee stinger must be removed from the skin intact, or it will spread more of the poison that caused the allergic reaction.
Patients or a helper should use a straight-edged object such as a credit card or the back of a knife to scrape the sac aside. Then tweezers can safely remove the stinger. Sterilization of the puncture site consists of washing with soap and water, rinsing well and applying alcohol, iodine or hydrogen peroxide.
Pain and Itch Medications
Patients can address allergy symptoms of inflammation, pain, swelling and itching with treatments recommended by the Cleveland Clinic. Hydrocortisone creams, aspirin or ibuprofen, calamine lotion and over-the-counter antihistamine drugs provide relief in most cases.
Immunotherapy
Patients have an alternative to treating bee stings after the fact. The AAFA reports a high success rate for people who use immunotherapy to avoid future reactions to bee stings.
These allergy shots desensitize patients by subjecting them to minute amounts of venom over a period of months or years. According to the AAFA, acclimating the immune system to this allergen works as a preventive treatment in 97 percent of patients who try it.
