Allergic shock after a bee or wasp sting: How to react correctly in an emergency

Created: 07/04/2022Updated: 07/04/2022 16:18

By: Judith Brown

Insect bites by wasps and bees are common in summer.

Some people are allergic to it and a sting can be fatal.

Munich – If you suffer from an insect venom allergy, extreme caution is required in summer.

Because wasp or bee stings are not uncommon in the summer months.

Unlike people without allergies, who usually have a local skin reaction and the symptoms usually disappear after 24 hours, an insect bite can even be fatal for allergy sufferers.

An allergic reaction can result in cardiovascular failure.

Since the cause of an insect bite is not always clear, the correct interpretation of the first signs can be life-saving.

Insect Bite: Dizziness and nausea are signs of allergic shock

Anyone who is stung by a wasp or bee and has an allergic reaction often shows symptoms such as dizziness and nausea.

(Iconic image) © Niehoff/IMAGO

According to “BR 24 online”, around three million Germans suffer from an insect venom allergy, and an average of 20 people die every year from what is known as anaphylactic shock.

It is the worst consequence of an insect bite and is shown by the following typical symptoms, which do not all have to appear at the same time:

• teary eyes

• Sniffles

• swelling of the nasal mucosa

• dizziness

• shortness of breath

• nausea

• intestinal problems

• tachycardia

• difficulty swallowing and speaking

• Itching and redness all over the body

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Allergic shock after an insect bite: This is how you can provide first aid

If a person has an allergic reaction to an insect bite, first aid can save the life of those affected.

According to the insect venom allergy initiative, the following steps must then be followed:

• Scratch away insect stings from wasps or bees – do not pull: there is usually a poison sac on the sting.

  This releases additional poison by pulling or pressing.

  That's why it's important to just scrape the sting away.

• Use an emergency kit: People with allergies should always carry an emergency kit with them in a small bag that is often clearly marked.

  Of course, this is only possible if the allergy is already known.

  The bag usually contains liquid antihistamine and cortisone to swallow as well as an adrenaline pre-filled syringe (auto-injector) to stabilize the circulation and blood pressure.

• Make an emergency call: Call the emergency doctor if physical symptoms that go beyond a local skin reaction occur within the first 15 minutes.

  The person concerned should no longer drive a vehicle.

• First aid for swollen airways: If the allergy sufferer has difficulty breathing, it helps if the first aider loosens his clothing and, for example, undo the top shirt buttons.

  In addition, the patient should be placed in an upright position.

  It becomes particularly dangerous when wasps or bees get lost in their mouths and sting in panic.

• If in shock, lie on back with legs elevated: Cold sweats, a racing pulse, and paleness are warning signs of shock.

  Then it helps those affected if they are laid on their back and their legs are elevated.

  They can also be covered in this position if they feel comfortable.

• Unconsciousness in lateral position: One of the most severe reactions to an insect bite can be unconsciousness.

  First aid providers then first clear the airways and then place the patient in the stable side position.

  Constantly check the vital signs of the person concerned.

  If there are no signs of life, you should initiate restocking measures immediately.

After an allergic reaction to an insect bite: Have the allergy determined

After an allergic reaction to an insect bite, those affected should have their doctor clarify whether an allergy is behind it.

An allergist can determine if an allergy is actually present.

With the help of hyposensitization, in which the body is supplied with extracts containing the allergen, the allergy can then be treated and effectively combated.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.