Bee and Wasp Sting Symptoms
How do you know if you have been stung by a bee or wasp?
Medical problems from bee and wasp stings are broadly broken down into two categories:
- Local reactions (only the part of the body near the sting is affected)
- Immediate pain, redness, swelling, and itching at the sting site may occur.
- A large (greater than four inches across) local reaction may develop over the next 12-36 hours.
- A bacterial skin infection, although uncommon, may also begin during the first 12-36 hours (or even after the first few days).
- These may cause an enlarging area of redness at the sting site. It may be difficult to tell a local skin reaction and a local bacterial skin infection apart.
- Systemic or allergic reactions (parts of the body away from the sting are affected)
- Hives (raised itchy bumps on the skin) and itching all over the body
- Swelling of the mouth or throat or both
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath or other difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- In severe cases, marked difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, and even death may occur.
