A bee sting is a condition when a part of the body is punctured or stung by a bee. In fact, neither the big bee (wasp) or the honey bee, usually does not sting. They will sting when feel threatened.
The effects of a bee sting are generally mild, and can be treated independently at home. However, if the sting is multiple, or if the person stung has an allergy to the venom from bee stings, the effects can be more serious and require immediate medical attention.
Causes of Bee Stings
Bees will sting when they feel threatened. The sting contains a toxin that causes swelling and pain. The poison can cause severe allergic reactions in certain people, leading to death. This violent reaction is more common in adults than children.
People who are in forest areas, gardens, or honey bee cultivation areas are at risk of being stung by bees. However, the risk of being stung by a bee increases if you use perfume, wear light-colored clothing, and are consuming sugary foods or drinks. Because, bees are attracted to pungent odors and bright colors.
Symptoms of a Bee Sting
Bee stings produce reactions that range from mild to severe. A mild reaction is characterized by pain as well as a burning sensation, swelling, and swelling at the sting area. These symptoms will go away on their own in a matter of hours.
Bumps and swelling can expand in 2-3 days, and last 5-10 days, depending on the body's reaction.
People who are allergic to bee venom are at risk for their lives. Here are the signs:
- pale skin
- Dizzy
- Nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea
- Swollen face
- Difficult to swallow
- Hard to breathe
- Loss of consciousness
Go to a hospital emergency room immediately if you have been stung by a bee and have had an allergic reaction to it, or if you have been stung by a swarm of bees.
Bee Sting Diagnosis
In people who experience a severe allergic reaction, the general practitioner in the ER will carry out rescue measures first. Conversely, if the effects of the sting are mild, the doctor will examine the sting wound. Allergy tests can also be done to determine if the patient has an allergy to bee venom.
Bee Sting Treatment
Severe allergic reactions due to bee stings, need to be treated immediately. Including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), if the heart rate and breathing stop.
The drugs that will be given when stung by a bee include:
- Epinephrine (adrenaline), to relieve severe allergic reactions.
- Additional oxygen.
- Breathing lozenges, eg salbutamol.
- Anti-allergic drugs, such as diphenhydramine or dexamethasone.
If the bee sting does not cause an allergic reaction, then treatment can be done at home. Treatment steps that can be taken include:
- Remove the bee's tentacle that is stuck in the skin as soon as possible, because the venom can enter the body in just a matter of seconds.
- Use a card or fingernail to push the horns out of the skin. Do not use tweezers or tongs, as they can compress the tentacles, causing more poison to enter.
- Wash the sting area with soap and water until clean.
- Use a cold compress to relieve swelling.
- Drug consumption paracetamol to reduce pain.
- Apply calamine lotion to relieve itching and swelling.
- Do not scratch the area of the sting, as this can make itching and swelling worse and lead to infection.
Bee Sting Prevention
Remain calm when around bees flying. Cover your nose and mouth, then move slowly into a closed room. Avoid repelling bees, as they are more likely to be stung.
For those of you who will be doing activities around the beehive, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of being stung, including:
- Avoid using clothes that are too bright or floral because they can indirectly attract bees. Also avoid clothing that is too loose, as bees can enter and become trapped between the clothing and the skin.
- Use shoes.
- Avoid consuming sugary foods or drinks, as these can lure bees to approach.
- Tightly cover food and beverage containers, especially those containing sugar.
- Clean the garbage and animal waste because it can attract bees to come.
- Avoid opening windows too wide while driving.
If you want to trim grass, plants, or trees around the house, please be careful, because trees are often a place for bees to build their nests. If there is a beehive, move it to a location away from housing. Perform this action using protective clothing and equipment.