An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the immune system to a foreign substance. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from some type of allergy. A relatively common allergy is to the venom in flying stinging insects, such as bees, hornets and wasps. The majority of individuals have only a minor reaction to bee stings, but more severe allergic reactions can occur.
Symptoms
Bee stings often result in a minor reaction which includes sharp pain and swelling in a small area surrounding the sting that often goes away on its own in a few hours. Individuals hypersensitive to bee stings, however, develop more severe symptoms that can be life-threatening. In these individuals, early symptoms include large swelling, hives, and chest tightness or shortness of breath. As the immune system mounts a stronger response, severe symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and loss of consciousness can occur. Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, can occur in which individuals must seek medical attention immediately, according to MayoClinic.com.
Causes and Risk Factors
When a bee stings an individual, a specific protein in the venom is recognized by the immune system as foreign. The immune system releases chemicals and antibodies to rid the body of the "foreign invader" which produces the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Multiple bee stings can potentially be very dangerous because higher amounts of venom produce a stronger immune system reaction, especially in children, according to an article in the 1999 issue of "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology." Individuals with other allergies such as hay fever are at an increased risk of being allergic to bee stings, according to MayoClinic.com.
Diagnosis
Most often, individuals discover they are allergic to bee stings after having a severe allergic reaction. To confirm bee sting allergies, physicians most often administer a skin prick test. In this test, a purified venom extract is injected into the skin to check for a reaction, generally a raised bump at the injection site. A blood test called RAST, radioallergosorbent test, which measures the amount of antibodies produced from exposure to bee venom, may sometimes be used to diagnose bee allergies.
Treatment
Minor reactions to bee stings can successfully be treated at home with first aid. This generally involves removing the stinger with fingernails or tweezers followed by washing the area with soap and water. Cold packs, hydrocortisone cream and oral antihistamines can help reduce the swelling, redness and itchiness of bee stings. For emergency situations, physicians often prescribe an epinephrine, or adrenaline, pen that can be injected to prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction to a bee sting. Allergy shots or immunotherapy are another option for those with more severe bee allergies and are administered on a regular basis for several years, according to MayoClinic.com.
Prevention
Several precautionary measures can be taken to prevent bee stings, which is especially important in individuals with severe bee sting hypersensitivity. Since bees are attracted to strong scents such as sweet food, perfume and bright colors, it is best to avoid these. Keeping away from areas in which bees congregate such as flower gardens and areas where there is ripe fruit is also advisable. Reducing skin exposure with shoes and long-sleeved shirts and pants can also help reduce the chance of getting stung. It is also important to leave the area immediately if stung by a bee to prevent provoking multiple bee stings, according to MayoClinic.com.
