Bees are a few of the insects that benefit humans. However, their bites can cause severe discomfort. Some people are even allergic to bee stings. In mild cases, this condition does not pose a serious danger, but if there is intolerance to bee venom, serious consequences are possible. Let's take a closer look at the symptoms of insect allergy and first aid rules.
Why do allergies occur?
On the one hand, bee venom has medicinal properties, on the other hand, it can be the strongest allergen. At the time of the bite, the insect releases a sting into the skin, which just contains protein compounds and biologically active components that have a toxic effect. The poison contains substances such as histamine, peptides, mellitin, phosphoric and hydrochloric acids, amino acids, acetylcholine.
Normally, the human body copes with the poison contained in the bee sting in 10-15 minutes, limiting the spread of substances. Only swelling and swelling will remind you of an insect bite.soreness of the skin. However, with a weak immune system, the reaction can be unpredictable. Therefore, people with a history of diabetes mellitus, infectious and viral pathologies, hormonal disruptions, autoimmune diseases very often suffer from such an ailment.
It is quite common to have hereditary allergies to bee stings. If at least one parent has a similar problem, then the risk of developing an allergy in a child increases.
Symptoms
Reactions to bee venom entering the human body can be immediate or appear after a while. In almost all cases, local symptoms occur in the form of swelling, soreness and redness at the site of the bite. The sting is in some way an irritant, and therefore the negative reaction of the body will only intensify if it is not removed in a timely manner. Local reactions resolve within a few days.
Severe cases
How does a bee sting allergy manifest in more severe cases? With intolerance to the components of insect venom, local reactions may occur: redness and swelling covers a large area of the skin, there is severe itching, soreness, weakness, general loss of strength.
The most severe variant of the course of the disease is a systemic reaction of the body. The following symptoms indicate the development of such a condition:
- appears redness and itching;
- swelling of the face and limbs (angioedema angioedema);
- gets dizzy;
- blood pressure drops;
- appears weakness, nausea;
- possible loss of consciousness;
- a rash appears on the skin (urticaria);
- there is a feeling of lack of air;
- watery nasal discharge appears.
What is the danger?
The third degree of severity of allergy to a bee sting is the most dangerous for humans. Almost immediately after the poison enters the general circulation, severe reactions develop in the form of acute heart failure, edema of the internal organs, and anaphylactic shock. In this case, it is extremely important to quickly provide first aid to the patient and call a medical team.
Treatment
If a person is allergic to a bee sting, what should I do to prevent severe reactions? First of all, it is necessary to remove the sting as soon as possible - the source of the poison. Many use tweezers for this, but such a tool can only worsen the situation. The fact is that when squeezing the sting, more poison comes out of it, which will cause even more severe allergic reactions.
To remove the sting, it is best to use a plastic bank card or a needle. The reddened area of \u200b\u200bthe dermis should be pre-treated with an antiseptic solution to avoid infection. The skin around the sting should be carefully scraped off with a needle or card, and then carefully pull out the sting without pressing on the venom sac. The wound should be cleaned using warm soapy water or alcohol.
Bee Sting Allergy: First Aid
After removing the sting, you can proceed to further treatment aimed at preventing the occurrence of an allergic reaction. To relieve discomfort and pain, you should apply a cold compress. In addition to reducing the severity of the pain syndrome, this will also help reduce the rate of spread of the poison. A tourniquet can be applied to the area above the bite (but no more than two hours in the summer).
How to relieve swelling? A bee sting causes swelling. To eliminate or at least reduce inflammation, it is recommended to apply an ice pack to the focus as soon as possible.
If you are at risk of developing an allergy, take a quick-acting antihistamine. These can be medicines in the form of tablets or drops. The following drugs are considered the most effective in such cases:
- "Desloratadine".
- "Tavegil".
- Cetirizine.
- Erius.
- Telfast.
- Zyrtec.
For the speedy removal of the toxic components of bee venom from the body, it is recommended to take enterosorbents: Enterosgel, Polysorb, Atoxil.
After a bee sting, how to relieve swelling with local preparations? If an ointment containing hormonal components is at hand, it can also be used to get rid of swelling. Hydrocortisone and prednisolone ointment, an external agent in the form of a Fenistil gel will be effective.
Emergency
A single bee sting can trigger developmentthe most severe consequences. Insect venom is especially dangerous for people with allergies. Cardiac arrhythmia, swelling of the mucous membranes, anaphylactic shock are symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
In severe cases, the patient should be given an injection of Prednisolone (or Dexamethasone) and Adrenaline (0.1%) intramuscularly as soon as possible. Eliminate bronchospasm will help "Eufillin". Similar events are also carried out in cases where the bite fell on the neck, head, eyes, and mucous membranes. This helps prevent the spread of toxic components of the poison and stop the development of an allergic reaction. Further actions aimed at helping the victim should be carried out already in the hospital.
Will folk remedies help?
Traditional medicine offers a wide range of recipes that can significantly improve a person's condition after a bee sting. However, they can be used only in the absence of intolerance to insect venom. Otherwise, there is a huge risk of complications and deterioration.
Relieve slight puffiness caused by bee sting allergy with olive oil. It is applied in a small amount to the focus of inflammation after the sting is removed. The application of a swab dipped in a solution of baking soda will also bring relief.
Prevention
The consequences of a bee sting can be the most unpredictable. To avoid developmentsevere allergic reactions, an antihistamine should be taken as soon as possible. People with acute intolerance to bee venom need to protect themselves as much as possible from insect aggression. To do this, it is recommended to avoid wearing clothes of bright colors when outdoors, do not use perfumes (sweet aroma attracts insects), and eat food outdoors with caution. When working in the garden, it is imperative to use gloves and wear the most closed clothing, a hat.
