The best bee sting treatment, especially for those with allergies, is a healthy dose of knowledge and prevention...

First, let's look at a simplified version of the allergic reaction.

Histamine and the Allergic Response

When foreign substances enter the body, the body typically responds by creating antibodies that destroy the intruder. In the future, when the body encounters the foreign substance, it can fight it off. This is the immune response.

An allergic response is an overreaction of your immune system. During this overreaction, the antibodies trigger the production of histamine, which is responsible for inflammation, dilating the blood vessels and increasing blood flow, among other things. It is not entirely understood why an allergic response develops in one person and not another.

Let's apply this to a sting. When a wasp or bee stings you, venom enters your system. It is considered by your body to be an intruder and an immune response is triggered. For a few people, the immune system goes a little crazy, and histamine induces inflammation and other responses that manifest as hives, trouble breathing, weakness, low blood pressure, etc.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a serious, and sometimes fatal, allergic reaction. Bee and wasp stings are only one source of allergens that produce this kind of response. Symptoms can include:

• swelling/inflammation
• difficulty breathing
• abdominal cramps
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• low blood pressure
• panic or anxiety

Anaphylaxis Canada is a good resource for people living with life threatening allergies, not just allergic reactions to bee stings.

Treatment for Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis

First, to clarify. Treatment of systemic reactions involves dealing with the allergic symptoms, not counteracting the venom. Some allergic symptoms are not life-threatening and can be dealt with (if absolutely necessary) with an antihistamine such as Benadryl or Tylenol for itching and pain, respectively. Some physicians might try to push steroids on you.

Problems with your breathing or blood pressure will require more serious attention. An epinephrine shot is the typical medical response. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the following dosage:

When the person's weight is unknown, the following age-based chart (published by the Public Health Agency of Canada) can be followed:

When you know you have an allergy, you can carry epinephrine with you at all times in the form of a bee sting treatment or epinephrine kit or Epi-pen.

Allergy Testing

You should undergo testing for venom allergies if you have experienced an anaphylactic reaction after being stung. You could also be tested if you know you are going to be in a high-risk sting zone (i.e. you are going to go into the beekeeping profession).

There are two types of tests available. The more preferable of the two is the skin test. A diluted solution containing venom is applied to a scratch or prick in the skin. The dilution can be altered to determine the level of sensitivity to venom.

The other type of test is the RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test), where a blood sample is taken, the venom is added, and the level of antibodies created is measured. This is an oversimplification of the process, of course...

You can also explore further sting information here.

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