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No one wants the pain of getting stung by a bee but for about two million people in the United States who are allergic, the experience could be serious or even potentially fatal. Recognizing the signs of an allergic reaction to bee venom can help parents know when to seek treatment.
From 10 offices located throughout Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida, our pediatric experts at Angel Kids Pediatrics provide all the care your child needs to stay healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Whether you're seeking an as-needed sick visit, a routine well-child exam, or a periodic appointment to stay on top of a chronic condition like allergies, we’re here to help. Let’s take a closer look at five
About bee sting allergies
About 3% of children suffer an allergic reaction when stung by a bee. Allergies can have a genetic connection, so if a parent is allergic, their child may be more likely to have a reaction as well. On the plus side, some children outgrow a bee venom allergy as they age.
A word on anaphylaxis
Also known as anaphylactic shock, anaphylaxis is a severe and, in some cases, life-threatening reaction to a bee sting or other allergen. During anaphylaxis, the allergic reaction causes severe throat and airway swelling that makes it hard to breathe.
Anytime your child has trouble breathing after a bee sting, seek emergency medical care immediately. Children with a known bee allergy are prescribed epinephrine (an EpiPen®) to keep with them at all times.
5 Signs of a bee allergy
Approximately 100 people in the U.S. die from bee stings each year. Knowing the signs of a bee sting allergy is important, especially if you suspect your child is allergic — but they haven’t yet been diagnosed. Common signs of an allergy that appear soon after a bee sting include:
1. Swelling
Minor swelling at the site of the sting that goes away in a few hours is common. If the swelling gets worse over the next day or two, however, it could signify a moderate allergic reaction.
In a case of anaphylaxis, swelling happens quickly in anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour following a bee sting. Swelling may also occur in the tongue and throat, causing problems with swallowing and breathing.
2. Itching
Severe itching near the site of the sting can be a symptom of an allergic reaction, as can hives, red spots, or welts.
3. Gastrointestinal issues
A serious allergic reaction to bee venom may include digestive symptoms, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
4. Breathing problems
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or irregular heartbeats can also signal a significant allergic response to bee venom.
5. Lowered blood pressure
Dizziness, being in a dazed condition, lowered blood pressure, or loss of consciousness are all signs of a dangerous allergic reaction to a bee sting.
Treatment and caring for allergies
Typically, the more times an allergic person is stung by a bee, the more serious the reactions become. This makes it all the more important for parents and caregivers to recognize the signs of a bee sting allergy in a child, since second and subsequent stings could be up to 60 percent worse than the first time.
If you suspect your child may have a bee sting allergy, we can help — both with their diagnosis and an effective allergy management plan that keeps them safe. Call or click online to schedule an appointment at your nearest Angel Kids Pediatrics office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, or Saint Johns, Florida, today.