Bees are considered one of the most useful insects. As you know, they are involved in the pollination of plants. Thanks to this process, a person can enjoy fruits and berries on his table. Also, everyone knows such a product as honey. It is obtained through the activity of these insects. In medicine, bee stinging is also used. This method is used in the treatment of various kinds of diseases.
But not always meeting with these insects brings only good results. Some people have an allergic reaction to a bee sting. What should be done in this case? You can find the answer to this question in this article. In addition, here you can learn how to provide first aid for a bee sting.
What is the composition of insect venom?
This substance has a large number of useful trace elements. These include phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. In addition, even carbohydrates, proteins and fats are present, as well as hydrochloric and phosphoric acid.
Biologically active substances also play a big role.
So, melitin is one of the most dangerous toxins. It promotes the destruction of red blood cells. As a result, metabolic processes are disturbed. This releases substances that cause inflammation. It also increases the permeability of the walls of blood vessels.
Allergy to a bee sting is caused by a substance such as histamine. It is because of him that bronchospasms, vasodilation are observed, blood pressure drops and edema appears.
Excitatory action on some parts of the nervous system causes apamin.
The rapid spread of edema during a bee sting is due to the presence of hyaluronidase in the insect venom. This substance is an enzyme that breaks down mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid. The last component is part of the connective tissue. In turn, another biologically active substance - phospholipase - contributes to damage to cell walls.
What is the harm of an insect bite?
In this section of the article, the negative aspects of this impact will be considered.
As a rule, with a single bee sting, a local reaction is observed. A person feels a sharp burning pain. After edema is formed. In a short time, the skin at the site of the bite turns red.
Severe consequences occur when a bee stings in the head area.
If an insect stings in the area of the eye, it often closes completely. This happens due to swelling of the eyelids. The pain is just as intense. There is severe lacrimation.
Complications of a bee sting in this case may be conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid and / or mucous membranes of the eyes.
If an insect stung in the oral mucosa, alsoswelling occurs. In addition, the person may complain of difficulty breathing. Often this happens during meals, when the insect is in jam or juice.
The most difficult thing with a bee sting is for pregnant women and children. The first because during this period most drugs are contraindicated. And in a child, unlike an adult, the reaction to external stimuli is much stronger.
About the benefits of an insect bite
But it's not all bad. It turns out that bee venom also has positive aspects. They will be discussed in more detail in this section of the article.
Most likely, most people have heard of such a technique as bee treatment. This branch of medicine is called apitherapy.
Bee treatment is used for diseases such as arthritis and intervertebral hernia, osteochondrosis and prostatitis. Insect venom is also useful in the treatment of stuttering and the organs of the respiratory system.
But before undergoing treatment with bee stings, you should definitely consult a specialist.
Now let's look at the benefits of insect venom. The components of this substance can also have a positive effect.
Before starting a full treatment, you need to make sure that you are not allergic to a bee sting.
Proper use of insect venom helps to regenerate bone tissue and stimulate the immune system, increase red blood cells and improve microcirculation, lower blood pressure and normalize heart activity, improve metabolismand activation of the hormonal and enzyme systems, the destruction of harmful microorganisms and the reduction of inflammation activity. It also has an anti-radiation, analgesic, antispasmodic effect and has a positive effect on the peripheral and central nervous system.
About insect bite symptoms
The signs listed below are usually observed in cases where a bee has stung a person several times. Let's name a few main symptoms of intoxication.
A person complains of pain in the heart, headaches and shortness of breath. In addition, he has nausea or vomiting, low blood pressure, palpitations and dizziness. The victim may even faint.
About first aid
Did you get bitten by a bee? What to do in this case? Everyone needs to know the answer to this question. Because this can happen not only to you, but also to others. The latter may have an allergic reaction to insect venom, which is very dangerous.
First you need to remove the sting of the bee. Usually the insect leaves it at the site of the bite. After removing the sting of the bee, the flow of poison into the human body will stop. This action is done using processed tweezers.
Then the bite should be washed. It can also be treated with calendula tincture or a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
In order to relieve swelling from a bee sting, you need to attach a napkin moistened with cold water. Ice can also be used for this purpose.
Be sure to take an antihistamine. Drops are more suitable for babies. An ointment, such as Fenistil, can be applied to the bite site.
At this time, you should drink as much water as possible. This will speed up the process of removing the poison from the body. In no case should you drink alcohol-containing drinks, as they will only increase the spread of the poison throughout the body.
If all recommendations are followed, the swelling will subside in 2-6 days.
If you are stung by a bee in the eye, you should immediately take an antihistamine and call an ambulance. Because in this case, you can lose your sight.
About insect sting allergy
This type of reaction occurs when a person is hypersensitive to the components of bee venom. In this case, even a single bite is a huge danger for them.
An allergic reaction can manifest itself in many ways.
So, with urticaria, pinkish blisters form on the body. They itch a lot. Blisters appear not only at the site of the bite.
With Quincke's edema, the neck and face, tongue and lips, as well as the upper respiratory tract, swell. He is a choking hazard.
In anaphylactic shock, all the signs of an allergy are observed. It is dangerous with a fatal outcome.
An antihistamine should be taken before the ambulance arrives. Treatment for an allergic reaction to an insect bite is carried out in a hospital.
What are folk remedies?
This method is also useful if you have been stung by a bee.
A piece of sugar moistened with water should be applied to the bite site. The wound can be treated with a special solution. To do this, you need aspirin and water.
The previous drug and activated charcoal also help well. They need to be dissolved in a glass of water, and then treated with a bite.
Swelling will stop spreading if you attach a napkin with garlic juice to it. You can also apply a gruel consisting of soda and water to the sore spot.
In addition, chopped vegetables are applied to the bite site. In this case, we are talking about onions, tomatoes and cucumbers.
How can you avoid being bitten by an insect?
To keep yourself safe, follow a few simple rules:
- If bees are flying around you, don't wave your arms, stay calm.
- Don't eat fruits and vegetables outside. They can attract bees.
- When outdoors, wear clothes that cover your arms, head and legs.
- Do not disturb the bees that are near you.
