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Chris Burke
Being stung by any insect is never pleasant, but for most people, bee stings are especially annoying. For some individuals, however, bee stings are not just annoying; they are dangerous and, in a few instances, even life-threatening. Here are several frequently asked questions about bee sting allergies.
What Is a Typical Reaction?
For the vast majority of people stung by bees, the reaction is unpleasant but manageable. Pain and some swelling will occur at the spot of the sting. Occasionally, the reaction extends beyond the site and can affect an entire limb. For example, if you are stung on the lower leg, the swelling could affect the whole leg. Neither of these reactions is an allergic reaction, and the pain and swelling should gradually disappear in no more than five to ten days.
What Is an Allergic Reaction?
Allergic Reactions vary in severity. A mild allergic reaction tends to cause itching and warmth at the spot of the sting, in addition to pain, swelling, and redness. A severe allergic reaction may cause hives, swelling of the tongue or throat, and difficulty in breathing. You make feel dizzy and queasy as well.
Severe allergic reactions to bee stings are an emergency situation. If you have such an experience, you must seek medical attention immediately.
Are Certain People More Prone to Bee Sting Allergies?
People who have subjected to many stings have a tendency to develop bee sting allergies. For example, beekeepers are more likely to be allergic to bee stings than the general population according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Is There a Test for Bee Sting Allergy?
You need not wait to be stung by a bee to find out if you are allergic. Allergy testing available to determine if you have this type of allergy. The most common test is the skin test. A physician will place some bee venom on your skin and wait to see if there is any significant reaction.
Sometimes skin tests cannot determine if a bee sting allergy exists, so the doctor may suggest that you have a blood test. This will involve having a blood sample taken and analyzed by a lab.
Bee stings are not something that most people are overly worried about; usually, they are nothing more than an inconvenience. In rare cases, however, bee stings can seriously compromise someone's health. For more information, consult your physician or healthcare provider.