BEE STINGS
Bees and wasps will sting humans only in defense. A startled bee or wasp may sting first and ask questions later, so to speak! If you walk near a beehive or a wasp's nest, you may get stung as the bees or wasps defend their home.
FIRST AID FOR BEE AND WASP STINGS:
A mild to moderate localized reaction to a sting occurs within minutes of the sting. Symptoms of a mild to moderate reaction:
-Redness and swelling at the sting site, and possibly the area surrounding the sting.
-Pain and itching (intensity varies according to the severity of the reaction) at the sting site and surrounding area.
Bee stingers should be removed as soon as possible. If the stinger is removed within fifteen seconds of the sting, the reaction may be lessened.
First aid for mild to moderate stings:
-Apply ice to the affected area.
-A thick paste of baking soda and water may be applied to the area.
-Topical creams such as Cortaid or Lanacane can help with the itching.
-A topical anesthetic spray such as Dermoplast or Solarcaine (commonly used for sunburns) help relieve pain.
-Over-the-counter systemic antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can help alleviate the symptoms of the sting.
-Tylenol or ibuprofen can help control any pain caused by the sting.
Approximately one to two million people in the United States are severely allergic to bee and wasp stings. These people, when stung, experience a reaction called ANAPHYLAXIS (see http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/8954... ). This is a severe, life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention to prevent death. Anaphylaxis occurs almost immediately after the sting, and death can occur in as little as five minutes. Symptoms of anaphylaxis:
-Hives (red, raised bumps) appearing all over the body.
-Dizziness and/or lightheadedness.
-Nausea and/or vomiting.
-Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea.
-Difficulty swallowing.
-Shortness of breath.
-Unconsciousness.
First aid for severe reactions to stings:
-CALL 911! A severe reaction to a sting is a life-threatening condition. Make sure you tell the 911 dispatcher that you know or think the victim has been stung by a bee or wasp. Pay attention to any instructions the dispatcher gives you.
-The victim may know he/she is allergic to stings, and may carry emergency medication to be used in the event of a sting. If you do not know if the victim is severely allergic or not, look for a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace (see the link at the end of the article).
-Make sure the victim's airway remains open.
-Monitor the victim for changes in consciousness.
HOW TO REMOVE A BEE
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