Bee Sting Treatment

Treating a bee sting is not a difficult task. However, it does require speed because the longer that one waits to treat it (removing the stinger, etc.), the more serious it becomes. Therefore, reacting quickly to getting stung is the best line of defense against anything happening due to the bee sting. The best treatment for a bee sting is not to go near the bees; however, if stung, it is important to disengage from the area. Get away from all future bees. When a bee stings, it releases a hormone that other bees pick up one. It’s sort of like a “I’ve found a threat, I need reinforcements” type of hormone. When this is released, the bees come charging, so getting away from them is important.

Immediately remove the stinger. Old myths used to say that you had to rub them off because pulling them would push more venom in. That’s not the case. It’s not a question of how you remove it, but instead, it is a question of when you remove it. The longer the stinger is in, the more venom it will release into one’s body. Therefore, a fast removal might be the most helpful treatment against a bee sting. The less the venom, the less the reaction.

If you are helping a person who might be allergic to a bee sting, immediately ask them if they have an EpiPen. They might be so concerned about being stung that you asking gives them something to think about. It will help them focus which is important when dealing with something allergic. If they don’t have an EpiPen, immediately call 911 because they will have one. If they do, help them administer it.

The nest step is to pay attention for the signs of anaphylaxis. This is a reaction to things one is allergic to that can result in death. The symptoms are itching, redness, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and hives. If the person has this, immediately call 911, even if they have already injected themselves with the EpiPen.

If the person has been stung ten times or more, take them to the ER. If the person has been stung in the mouth, take them to the ER. The former is important because ten stingers can release ample amounts of venom that can do considerable damage to the body. The latter is important because a reaction to bee stings is swelling. If there is swelling in the mouth, it could get in the way of proper breathing which will lead to potential death.

In the end, a bee sting is annoying and painful. However, by keeping track of the symptoms of anaphylaxis and knowing if the person is allergic or not, you can save someone’s life from something as simple as a bee sting.