The buzz about bee sting allergy

As fall quickly approaches, many are taking every opportunity to get outside and soak in the last few weeks of Minnesota’s summer bliss. Bliss that can quickly vanish when faced with one of our buzzing companions. If you’ve experienced a bee sting, you know the pain and skin irritation that comes with it — not to mention the fear you might feel seeing one again.

For many people who experience a bee sting, the pain and symptoms will go away in a matter of days; however, some people experience allergic reactions that can be severe. This severe type of reaction is called anaphylaxis and — while rare — it can be fatal.

Venom in stinging insects

The common stinging insects in our community are honeybees and wasps, namely yellowjackets (or yellow hornets) and white-faced hornets (otherwise known as bald-faced hornets). While bees are not considered aggressive insects, when they feel threatened, they will sting.

Michael Wexler, MD, Ridgeview, Allergy & Immunology, explains, “A bee stinger contains venom which is made up of proteins that can potentially irritate your skin upon contact. In rare cases, the venom interacting with certain products of our immune cells can result in either a local reaction or a severe systemic reaction. The onset of a severe allergic reaction is typically rapid and many people who have a severe reaction had previously been stung before.”

Local and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Local allergic reactions to bee stings are not life-threatening, and symptoms commonly include a sharp burning pain and swelling where the sting occurred. These reactions are not considered serious enough to receive further evaluation and testing.

For those who experience a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, symptoms are more serious and can potentially be life-threatening. These types of serious reactions warrant further testing and treatment with an allergist.

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) symptoms include:

• Hives
• Flushed or pale skin
• Dizziness
• Throat tightness
• Swelling of tongue and throat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

With anaphylaxis, you may begin coughing and wheezing and have difficulty breathing and swallowing. You may also experience a weak, rapid pulse and loss of consciousness. While rare, this severe reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention

Testing and treatment methods

Testing

For severe allergic reactions to bee stings, an allergist can conduct tests to help determine the identity of the bee responsible for the allergic reaction — this is typically done through skin testing and sometimes blood testing.

To perform a skin test, the allergist will inject a small amount of bee venom into your skin. If you are allergic to the venom, you will develop a small hive where the injection occurred. In some cases, if skin testing is not possible, a blood test can be ordered to identify the specific bee allergy.

Treatment

Treatment for localized allergic reactions to bee stings include cold compresses, applying topical anti-itching medications and taking antihistamines to help reduce itching.

Patients who experienced a severe allergic reaction to bee stings are often prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) to use in potential future emergency situations.

Depending on the severity of your allergic reaction and health history, you might be a candidate for allergy shots, known as venom immunotherapy.

Venom immunotherapy is done by injecting proteins extracted from the venom of the stinging bee under your skin. It is a long-term treatment that starts in weekly increments following a protocol that will take months, and then subsequently less frequent injections for a period of three to five years. Injections must be administered by an allergist in a clinic so they can monitor you for any severe reactions.

“Immunotherapy has been proven to be quite effective in mitigating severe allergic reactions to bees and it has a remarkably high rate of success in curing severe bee allergy,” Dr. Wexler explained. “The goal of immunotherapy is to help your immune system change the nature of its reaction to the venom protein, resulting in a less serious form of a reaction if you experience a bee sting in the future.”

Ridgeview’s Allergy & Immunology team offers a full range of services. Get started by scheduling an appointment, no referral necessary. To schedule an appointment, call 952-361-2458.

Anaphylaxis is a severe and life-threatening medical emergency. If you or someone around you is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.