![]() Anaphylaxis, he said, occurred within seconds or minutes of a sting. In addition, the speed of onset of reactions was an indication of its seriousness. ![]() Mildest symptoms were flushing of the skin, followed by an itchy nettle-rash and more serious included chest wheeze, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, palpitations and faintness. Systemic reactions, he said, were generalized reactions occurring withing a few minutes of a sting. Riches’ Type I bee venom hypersensitivity reactions were listed in increasing order of severity as large local reactions, systemic reactions and anaphylaxis. Type III reacions are delayed responses to stings, produced by a substance called precipitin. Type I is the most usual reaction resulting from venom components affecting mast cells which then release histamine (associated with pain and swelling) and other chemicals. Riches classified been venom hypersensitivity into two categories. Riches, “Hypersensitivity to Bee Venom,” Bee World, Vol. This is called “ mass envenomation,” usually associated with Africanized honey bees.įor the beekeeping community, an authoritative review was published 1982 by Harry R. There is a third reaction in rare cases when a person receives a large number of stings. Those far more at risk may show no reactions to stings at all. Ironically, it may in fact be the reverse. Nevertheless, many in the general population continue to believe that because they “swell up,” they are at risk of losing their life when stung by bees. This is the reaction of the vast majority of persons and those suffering it are considered to be at little risk of death, unless the mouth or throat is affected so that the respiratory tract is obstructed. There is agreement that a local reaction is generally characterized by: pain, swelling, redness, itching and a wheal surrounding the wound made by the stinging apparatus. Two kinds of reactions are usually associated with bee stings and those of other stinging insects as well: (1) local or (2) systemic, allergic or life- threatening. Unfortunately, the facts about bee stings are shrouded in mystery and even the medical profession continues to be embroiled in controversy over the issue. The question invariably arises, how good is the advice and where does it come from. Answers can range from the most blase to sublime. This intimate association with bee stings often dictates that beekeepers must take on the added responsibility of being a major source of information about them. Most beekeepers are used to being stung by bees, and take it in stride as a necessary part of the activity. Injectable epinephrine pens, inhalants and antihistamines are also sold over the counter for this use. Some carry emergency sting kits of one nature or another prescribed by physicians. Many persons claim to be allergic to bee stings, presumably having been diagnosed as susceptible. There is little that seems more threatening to many persons than being stung by venomous insects, which in most cases are classified as “bees.” The misinformation concerning bee stings is legion.
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