Also known as: insect stings.

What are bee stings?

Most cases of bee stings are simply annoying and cause only mild pain or a bump. However, they can be a medical emergency for people who are allergic to bee stings.

What causes bee stings? 
Stinging is a bee’s self-defense mechanism to a perceived threat. They typically don’t sting unless their routine or home has been disrupted in some manner.

What are the symptoms of bee stings? 
Most people simply experience a sharp pain, a welt and a bit of swelling around the area that was stung. Severe cases can cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and throat, a weak pulse, dizziness, vomiting and loss of consciousness.

What are bee sting care options? 
Most people will require little to no treatment for bee stings. Removing the stinger with a tweezers might be required. People who are allergic to bee stings may need to keep epinephrine on hand to prevent a severe reaction in response to a bee sting. Emergency medical care is required for people in this situation.

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Reviewed by: Jose R. Rosa-Olivares, M.D.

This page was last updated on: 6/21/2019 2:23:59 AM