Allergic to Bee Stings
A certain species of bees (belonging to the Hymenoptera order) are more likely to cause anaphylaxis in humans. If you have discovered that you are allergic to bee stings, prepare to stay safe while you enjoy the summer outdoors.
Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to a food, insect or other substance once it enters the body. The effects are usually felt almost immediately. They can be life threatening if treatment is not administered right away.
For those who are allergic to bees, you may find that anaphylaxis occurs even if you have been stung before with no adverse effects. The venom of the bee enters the body and causes a severe allergic reaction.
Those who are allergic may experience:
* Swelling of the tongue and throat
* Dizziness
* Labored breathing
* Headache
* Nausea and vomiting
After you have been exposed to a bee sting leading to a bout of anaphylaxis, your doctor will more than likely prescribe an epi-pen. This is an injector pencil that delivers a dose of epinephrine into the system to reopen the blood vessels and the airway. Epinephrine, or adrenalin, is found naturally in the body. It dilates blood vessels.
An immediate shot can provide enough relief to get medical attention. One thing to remember is that one epi-pen dose can wear off and the anaphylaxis begins again if the venom is still present. That is another reason why it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Preparing for a Summer Full of Bees
Don