Honey bee stings cause higher rates of recurrent anaphylactic reactions compared with stings of vespids (ie, yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps).(3) Unfortunately, honey bee VIT is less effective in preventing future anaphylactic reactions than vespid VIT (eg, 77 percent versus 91 percent in one study) (4), and the protection provided by honey bee VIT does not last as long as that from vespid VIT (5). I would obtain a detailed history and, since her occupation places her at high risk for repeat stings, immunotherapy should be discussed as a shared patient-provider decision. The fact that she carries an epipen makes me wonder if she has had classic IgE mediated symptoms in the past. I would not think you can definitively attribute the symptoms of fever and body aches to a URI that occurred a few days later. It is possible these symptoms were mediated by a delayed non-IgE hypersensitivity. Patients with serum sickness may demonstrate immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antivenom antibodies. Most of these reactions arise from the tissue deposition of antibody-antigen complexes, which precipitate only after sufficient antibody has been formed.Īs an example, serum sickness is usually manifested as urticaria with joint pain, fever, fatigue, and lymphadenopathy typically 7 to 10 days after the sting (1). However, the time course does not fit with this diagnosis because the onset would have been days to weeks and not hours. Fever, body aches, and joint pains are more consistent with a Type III serum sickness-like reaction. This article is written by Mayo Clinic staff. Find more health and medical information on this case, the beekeeper's symptoms after the sting are not consistent with a Type 1 IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. In more severe cases, you'll need immediate care. In most cases, bee stings don't require a visit to your health care provider. Make an appointment to see your health care provider if the bee sting symptoms don't go away within a few days or you've had other symptoms of an allergic response to a bee sting. If you were prescribed an emergency epinephrine autoinjector, use it right away as your health care provider directed. Talk to your health care provider or an allergy specialist about prevention measures such as immunotherapy ("allergy shots") to avoid a similar reaction in case you get stung again.Ĭall 911 or other emergency services if you're having a serious reaction to a bee sting that suggests anaphylaxis - even if it's just one or two signs or symptoms. People who have a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting have a 30 to 60 percent chance of anaphylaxis the next time they're stung. Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin. ![]() Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include: A small percentage of people who are stung by a bee or other insect quickly develop anaphylaxis. This will worsen itching and swelling, and increase your risk of infection.Ī severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to bee stings is potentially life-threatening and requires emergency treatment. If itching or swelling is bothersome, take an oral antihistamine that contains diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine.Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.If the sting is on an arm or leg, elevate it.You might try ibuprofen, to help ease discomfort. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, as needed.Wash the affected area with soap and water. ![]() ![]() These steps may help ease the swelling and itching often associated with large, local reactions: If this happens to you, talk to your health care provider about treatment and prevention, especially if the reaction becomes more severe each time. But some people develop similar moderate reactions each time they're stung. Having a moderate reaction doesn't mean you'll have a severe allergic reaction the next time you're stung. Moderate reactions tend to resolve over five to 10 days. Some people who get stung by a bee or other insect have a bit stronger reaction, with signs and symptoms such as extreme redness or swelling at the site of the sting that gradually enlarges over the next day or two.
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