dos & don’ts: Stingers

The sting of a bee or wasp is usually a temporary irritation. There can be swelling, itching and pain for a few hours. But for about 1.5 percent of the population, stings can be serious.

An allergen causing sting releases histamines into the body. Symptoms include hives, itchy eyes, and constricted throat and chest. Emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing, as well as coughing, hives, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and a decrease in blood pressure resulting in unconsciousness. Within only 2 to 3 minutes severe symptoms occur, resulting in hives and anaphylactic shock. The faster the reaction, the more severe it will be. To confirm a potent allergy, a physician can perform blood and skin tests as far out as several weeks after the envenomation.

Severe reactions require an auto-injection of prescription epinephrine. Corticosteroids reduce hives and swelling. If breathing stops, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) might be used. If the stinger is still present, remove it and place a cold pack, wrapped in a cloth, on the wound. If the victim has known sting sensitivity, seek medical services immediately.

To prevent stings as often as possible:

• Do get tested for insect venom allergies.
• Don’t forget immunotherapy is available to increase tolerance to venom.
• Do limit exposure to stinging insects.
• Don’t wear bright colors or use sweet perfumes, scented soaps, suntan lotions and cosmetics outdoors that will attract stinging insects.
• Do wear shoes and long-sleeved shirts as much as possible.
• Don’t let down your guard in locations that attract stinging insects, such as flower gardens, orchards and clover.
• Do move away from stinging insects slowly (no sudden movements).
• Don’t neglect to carry an emergency kit containing antihistamine tablets and an adrenaline (epinephrine) syringe. pmp

Dr. Mitchell, D.O., Ph.D., M.P.H., B.C.E., a board-certified physician and entomologist, is principal technical specialist for PestWest Environmental, as well as PMP’s Technical Editor. He can be reached at docmitchell@northcoastmedia.net or 515-333-8923.