There are thousands of different species of bees and wasps that live on the 6 continents of the world that have flowers. They need the pollen and nectar of flowers to feed themselves and get energy.
These insects usually sting in self-defence. They can be single bites or group bites; some wasps have a component in their venom that attracts other wasps to sting the same person. Bites are more common in people who work or do outdoor activities and may be seasonal. People who've been stung before are more likely to have a severe allergic reaction to future bites, which is why adults can have a more severe reaction than children.
Symptoms vary depending on the venom inoculated, the number of stings received and the sensitivity of the person to the venom. The most common symptom is an intense and immediate pain in the area of the sting. This may be accompanied by weals or lumps and reddening of the skin at the site of the sting. People who are sensitive to the sting may experience a severe allergic reaction with generalised swelling, respiratory complications, digestive symptoms, nausea or loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis is clinical, as the time of sting and symptoms coincide. Specific allergy tests and blood analysis can be used to measure the amount of antibodies produced before the wasp/bee venom comes into contact with the skin.
In the majority of cases, conservative treatment is sufficient: washing with soap and water, applying cold compresses and removing the stinger in the case of bee stings. Avoid compressing the area of the sting to prevent the venom from spreading.
Patients who are allergic to the venom may benefit from vaccines (immunotherapy) that reduce the immune response to the inoculated venom. In moderate allergic reactions, antihistamines and corticosteroids may be useful to reduce inflammation, especially if the airways are affected. In very severe cases of anaphylaxis, it will be necessary to administer intramuscular epinephrine; patients known to be allergic may have epinephrine autoinjectors available in their usual environment.
