Question 1

how to treat bee and wasp stings in the wilderness?

Accepted Answer

See below: For non-allergic people, simple first aid is good.  Remove any stingers by scraping off the stinger, place ice or cold compress to area as needed, use Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for itch and swelling, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for pain, wash the area with soap and water, can use antibiotic ointment over area, and make sure tetanus shot is current (within 10 years).  If allergic reac, resp probs, etc. - 911!

Question 2

i got stung by some insect (i guessed a bee or wasp?) while riding on my bike two days ago. it was a bit painful for maybe an hour after the sting, bu

Accepted Answer

Bites: Bites from bee or other hymenoptera species usually hurt. Benadryl, cool compress and NSAID. As long as it is not swelling more or you are not having any other symptoms such as breathing problems this should resolve.

Question 3

i'm 23 yo and have never been stung by a wasp, bee, scorpion, other stinging insect. does this increase my likelihood of being allergic if i get stung ?

Accepted Answer

No: You can't be allergic to something you've never been exposed to.

Question 4

can you be allergic to wasps stings but not other bee stings?

Accepted Answer

Yes: One can be allergic to wasp stings and not bee stings.

Question 5

what are the causes of one to be allergic to wasp or bee stings?

Accepted Answer

Protein in venom: A person who is allergic to stinging insects has  developed an allergy to a protein in the insect venom. These proteins have been well described and include mellitin, hyaluronidase, phospholipase, etc.  Why this happens to some people is unclear.  Thankfully treatment with venom allergy injections is very successful.

Question 6

what are the different reactions to wasp, hornet, and bee stings?

Accepted Answer

See below: Most commonly there is redness, swelling, and warmth at the bite site. The area may also be itchy. And, the size of the involved area tends to increase during the first one to two days. Some people can have very significant swelling, and/or develop an anaphylactic reaction with trouble breathing.

Question 7

is there a way to know if i am allergic to wasp/bee/hornet sting?

Accepted Answer

Allergic Symptoms: Allergic symptoms can include wheezing, chest, tightness, coughing, shortness of breath, throat tightness, slurring of speech, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, feeling weak, fainting & mental confusion as well as hives or swelling of your lips, tongue, throat or mouth.  Severe allergic reactions can be treated with self- injectable Epinephrine (epi-pen or ana-kit).  Call 911 for help.

Question 8

my dad is deathly allergic to bees and wasps but i've never been stung by either. if don't want to find out the hard way. also are allergies genetic? could i be deathly allergic to bee stings too?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Severe allergy to a single thing such as bee stings is not necessarily familial/genetic, but certain families DO have the tendency to be hypersensitive to things (leading to asthma, allergies and eczema).  Blood tests are available to see if you also have this tendency towards severe reactions.  Ask you doctor about testing for hymenoptera allergies, to be on the safe side.

Question 9

what to do if i just got stung by a bee or a wasp how long does it take to feel allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Immediate: If you are going to have a reaction it is usually immediate.

Question 10

could use your help docs! my dad is deathly allergic to bees and wasps but i've never been stung by either. is there a way to know if i am?

Accepted Answer

See an allergist: who would take careful history, might perform some tests, either blood tests or skin tests, check aaaai.org or acaai.org for an allergist in your area, if you are at high risk of exposure and not sure what to do till you see an allergist, better keep an epinephrine pen handy, ask your doctor about it, gooluck

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Doctor answers about:

Wasps vs bees sting

A member asked:

How to treat bee and wasp stings in the wilderness?

A member asked:

I got stung by some insect (i guessed a bee or wasp?) while riding on my bike two days ago. it was a bit painful for maybe an hour after the sting, bu

A member asked:

I'm 23 yo and have never been stung by a wasp, bee, scorpion, other stinging insect. does this increase my likelihood of being allergic if i get stung ?

A member asked:

Can you be allergic to wasps stings but not other bee stings?

A member asked:

What are the causes of one to be allergic to wasp or bee stings?

A member asked:

What are the different reactions to wasp, hornet, and bee stings?

A member asked:

Is there a way to know if i am allergic to wasp/bee/hornet sting?

A member asked:

My dad is deathly allergic to bees and wasps but i've never been stung by either. if don't want to find out the hard way. also are allergies genetic? could i be deathly allergic to bee stings too?

A member asked:

What to do if i just got stung by a bee or a wasp how long does it take to feel allergic reactions?

A member asked:

Could use your help docs! my dad is deathly allergic to bees and wasps but i've never been stung by either. is there a way to know if i am?

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