In the warm season, people often have to deal with bites of Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, bumblebees, hornets). Of the listed insects bumblebees are the least aggressive and the risk that they will sting is not too great, especially if you behave calmly, do not try to wave off sharply, etc.
Symptoms and consequences of a bumblebee bite
In fact, the term "bite" is incorrect, because such insects do not bite, and damage is caused by using a tip located at the end of the abdomen. Sting inside the hollow, like a syringe, and with his help a poison is injected into the victim's body. The sting of bumblebees is smooth, without chipping, so the body remains very rare. Painful sensations, itching, swelling and so on when bitten by a bumblebee are associated with ingestion of a poison that is a protein mixture, and in some people can cause a strong allergic reaction. The probability of allergy is about 1% and increases with repeated bites.
Local reaction after a bite is manifested in the form of pain, burning in the first minutes, and then redness, swelling and itching around the bite site. Usually such symptoms after a bite of a bumblebee pass within 2-4 days and do not demand specific treatment.
In the presence of an allergic reaction, it develops within 30 minutes and may differ depending on the intensity:
- Itching, swelling and redness spread throughout the body.
- Against the background listed in the first paragraph, nausea and vomiting are observed.
- To other symptoms, suffocation is added.
- There are frequent pulse, chills, fever, joint pain, cramps and loss of consciousness. In this case, there is already an anaphylactic shock , which requires hospitalization.
Especially dangerous are multiple bites of bumblebees. Also in the high-risk group are pregnant women and people taking beta-blockers.
What should I do if I bite a bumblebee?
The first help with a bite of a bumblebee or other stinging insect is quite simple:
- You should inspect the wound, and if there is a sting left - remove it.
- Wash space
bite with hydrogen peroxide, medical alcohol or other antiseptic, for example, chlorhexidine. - Apply a cold compress to the bite to reduce swelling.
- It is advisable to drink an antihistamine drug (Suprastin, Diazolin, Claritin, Tavegil , etc.) to prevent the occurrence of an allergic reaction.
- In case of severe allergy, the injured person should be taken to a doctor.
In addition, it should be remembered that when biting insects it is recommended to drink more liquid, but it is worth to refrain from drinking alcohol, as this can aggravate edema.