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Bee or Yellow Jacket Sting

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Bee Sting of Right Elbow
Bee Sting of Right Elbow
Comparison of a Honey Bee and Hornet
Comparison of a Honey Bee and Hornet
  • Stung by a honeybee, bumblebee, hornet, wasp, or yellow jacket.
  • The usual symptoms are localized pain, swelling, itching, and mild redness at the sting site.
General Information
  • Over 95 percent of stings are from honeybees or yellow jackets.
  • The sting injects venom into the human from the bee's stinger.
  • Tetanus booster following a sting is not considered necessary.
Anaphylaxis
  • Anaphylaxis is the medical term for a severe life-threatening allergic reaction.
  • Symptoms of anaphylaxis include: feeling faint or passing out, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, hives, wheezing and/or cough. Onset of symptoms is sometimes within seconds and usually within 20 minutes.
  • Individuals who have had severe reactions to previous stings should have an anaphylaxis kit (e.g., Ana-Kit, Epi-Pen) and keep it nearby if there is any risk of a sting.
FIRST AID Advice for Anaphylaxis
  • Give epinephrine injection if you have an anaphylactic kit. Inject it into the muscle of the upper outer thigh.

If not, see these other symptoms

  • Bite or sting from an insect other than a bee, wasp or yellow jacket, see INSECT BITE
  1. Should I Call?
  2. Care at Home

Adult Housecalls. Copyright © 2001-2008. David Thompson, M.D.
Reviewed/Modified: Jan. 2008 by Intermountain Healthcare, Inc.


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