Tips for Folks With Bee Sting Allergies

Many people fear a bee sting because of the pain it causes. But if you have a bee sting allergy, one little sting can cause a serious, potentially life-threatening reaction.

Whether you’re recently diagnosed or you’ve lived with bee sting allergies for years, you must take a proactive approach to stay safe. From recognizing early symptoms to always carrying emergency medicine, taking steps to protect yourself gives you peace of mind when spending time outside.

At Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates in Tampa and Brandon, Florida, our team customizes insect allergy care to keep patients safe. We even offer insect venom immunotherapy to reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

Here’s what folks with bee sting allergies need to know,along with our expert tips on how to stay safe.

About bee sting allergies

A bee uses its stinger for self defense, piercing the skin and injecting the venom. Everyone who gets stung experiences pain and swelling because of the venom. While we all react to bee stings, not everyone is allergic. In fact, less than 5% of people in the United States have bee sting allergies. 

A bee sting allergy is an immune system overreaction to the venom, triggering allergy symptoms. Though meant to protect you, the reaction to the bee sting can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical care. 

Bee sting allergy symptoms

Pain, swelling, and itchiness are the most common symptoms caused by a bee sting. However, these aren’t signs of an allergy.

You may have a bee sting allergy if you experience any of the following symptoms after getting stung:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the tongue or throat

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have a severe reaction that causes a low pulse or loss of consciousness. These are symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Allergy symptoms may appear within a few minutes or few hours after being stung. 

How to stay safe

Though symptoms vary, anyone with an allergy to bee venom can have a life-threatening reaction and must have epinephrine pens with them at all times. Because one epinephrine injection may not reverse the allergic reaction, current guidelines recommend that people with insect sting allergies carry two pens. 

Going to the emergency room is also necessary following a bee sting to monitor symptoms. 

To avoid attracting bees, these precautions may also keep you safe from an allergic reaction:

• Wear closed shoes when walking through grass.
• Wear light-colored clothing.
• Do not use scented perfumes or detergents.
• Cover food when eating outside.
• Do not swat at flying insects.
• Know when bees are most active so you can avoid them at those times.

Insect venom immunotherapy is an effective long-term treatment for bee sting allergies. It desensitizes the immune system to the venom, decreasing or eliminating the allergic reaction.

Folks with bee sting allergies can enjoy the warmer weather, when bees are most active, as long as they take steps to stay safe. If you have concerns about bee sting allergies, we can help.

Call us today or book an appointment online at the office most convenient to you.