Bee Sting Allergy
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Bee sting allergies occur in people who have an abnormally high sensitivity to bee stings, which cause a physical reaction. Allergic reactions to bee stings can be life threatening. 1
Anyone can suffer allergic reactions to bee stings. Although more people die from severe allergic reactions to bee stings each year than from snake bites, only a small number of people with bee sting allergies suffer these types of fatal reactions. 1
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system produces antibodies and other disease fighting cells in response to an allergen, in this case the bee sting. The antibodies release chemicals that actually injure the surrounding cells and cause the physical symptoms of an allergic reaction. Certain antibodies release histamines, which affect the skin, mucous membrane, mucous gland, and smooth muscle cells. Life-threatening allergic reactions can occur without any previous symptoms of allergy. In fact, most people with bee sting allergies do not experience a severe reaction with their first sting. Multiple stings increase the risk of an allergic reaction, but just one sting will cause serious symptoms for someone who is severely allergic. 1
Now let’s get something straight right here. Truly anaphylactic reactions to bee stings are absolutely DEADLY. Nothing to mess with. If someone goes truly anaphylactic, only epinephrine is going to pull them out of it. and where is his Epi-pen? At home) As this particular sting was on his thumb and there was hardly any swelling, he opted to ride it out. 41
Two kinds of reactions are usually associated with bee stings and those of other stinging insects as well: (1) local or (2) systemic, allergic or life-threatening. There is agreement that a local reaction is generally characterized by: pain, swelling, redness, itching and a wheal surrounding the wound made by the stinging apparatus. This is the reaction of the vast majority of persons and those suffering it are considered to be at little risk of death, unless the mouth or throat is affected so that the respiratory tract is obstructed. Nevertheless, many in the general population continue to believe that because they “swell up,” they are at risk of losing their life when stung by bees. Ironically, it may in fact be the reverse. Those far more at risk may show no reactions to stings at all. 3
Although severe allergic reactions are not that common, they can lead to shock, cardiac arrest, and unconsciousness in 10 minutes or less. This type of reaction can occur within minutes after a sting and can be fatal. Get emergency treatment as soon as possible. 13
Allergies are generally hereditary, so an allergic parent should be more cautious with her child, although children will often outgrow their allergy. If a severe reaction occurs, an allergist should be seen as soon as possible. Future stings could result in reactions that are up to 60 percent worse than the first allergic reaction. 45
About 2 million Americans are allergic to the venom of stinging insects. Many of these individuals are at risk for life-threatening allergic reactions. Approximately 50 deaths each year in the U.S. are attributed to allergic reactions to insect stings. 13
Type III bee venom hypersentivity reactions were grouped as arthus type, serum sickness and others. Arthus reaction becomes apparent 8-12 hours after a sting and could persist two to three days. It is associated with an excess of percipitins and often causes tissue damage, blistering and bruising. Serum sickness is more likely after an episode of multiple stings (malaise, fever, joint pains, skin rashes, swelling of lymph glands, kidney disturbances) and may develop three to ten days after a sting. Finally, very rare medical disorders such as encephalitis, polyneuritis and renal failure have followed insect stings. 3
The latter appears to be a major symptom of mass bee attacks in Latin America by Africanized honey bees. This, however, is something totally different than incidents where one or a few bees are involved. Any person regardless of sensitivity to bee venom receiving an enormous number of stings might be susceptible to renal failure or other severe symptoms simply because their body was challenged by a great quantity of toxin. 3
A quick glance at Dr. Riches’ categories and symptoms indicates a good deal of overlap between symptoms and treatment of systemic and anaphylactic reactions. In addition, the general tone of Dr. Riches’ article appears to be one suggesting that most systemic reactions are life-threatening to some degree. Many physicians agree with this, some preferring to call any allergic or systemic reaction “life-threatening”. 3
Many beekeepers with bee sting allergy can become desensitized. Beekeepers will make sure that their bees should not sting the passerby so that other people should not effect from bee sting. 11
Testing for bee sting allergies before a serious reaction has occurred is unnecessary, as it is often a lengthy process and so few people are actually allergic. One should wait until a systemic reaction has occurred before worrying about allergies. The first allergic reaction is rarely that bad, but once again, see an allergist if a reaction spreads beyond the sting site. 45
Following a honeybee sting the first step in treatment is removal of the barbed stinger. The stinger should be removed as fast as possible without regard to method: studies have shown the amount of venom delivered does not differ if the stinger is pinched or scraped off and even a delay of a few seconds leads to more venom being injected. 2
If a person is allergic, there are several steps he can take to protect himself. The patient should always carry a bee sting kit that includes a bronchodilator epinephrine shot or inhaler, which will dilate the airways and allow the person to breathe. He should also wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. The most extreme option is venom immunotherapy, wherein the patient receives weekly shots of increasing amounts of bee venom to build up tolerance. It can reduce the chance of future severe reactions from 60 percent to about five percent. 45
References
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