$Unique_ID{PAR00282}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Emergency First Aid:  BITES AND STINGS:  Bee Stings}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Siegfried, Donna M}
$Subject{BITES STINGS Bee Sting allergic reaction allergy reactions stinger
stingers skin redness inflammation inflamed swell swells swelling pain
burning itch itching swollen lips tongue ears uneasiness agitation red face
hives prickling ear throbbing ringing sneeze sneezing cough coughing breathing
difficulty nausea nauseated vomit vomits vomiting dizzy dizziness bladder
bowel control loss convulsion convulsions pulse cold clammy pale skin
unresponsive unresponsiveness MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESUSCITATION anaphylaxis kit
epinephrine}
$Log{
With Signs of Allergic Reaction:  Step 5*0028201.tif
With Signs of Allergic Reaction:  Step 9*0028202.tif
Without Signs of Allergic Reaction:  Step 2*0028203.tif}

The New Parents' Question & Answer Book


BITES AND STINGS:  Bee Stings


CAUSE

     A bee sting generally causes local pain and irritation.  In a susceptible
child, however, a bee sting that penetrates the skin can lead to a serious
allergic reaction within minutes.


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  -  stinger protruding from the skin
  -  redness, inflammation
  -  localized swelling and pain
  -  burning and itching sensations

A Severely Allergic Child May Also Experience:

  -  swollen lips, tongue, or ears
  -  uneasiness or agitation
  -  red face
  -  hives
  -  prickling and itching sensations in the skin
  -  throbbing or ringing in the ears
  -  sneezing, coughing, or breathing difficulty
  -  nausea or vomiting
  -  dizziness
  -  loss of bladder and bowel control
  -  convulsions
  -  weak, rapid pulse (more than 100 beats per minute)
  -  cold, clammy, pale skin
  -  unresponsiveness

  WITHOUT IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR ALLERGIC REACTION, CHILD MAY DIE.


EMERGENCY TREATMENT

If Signs of Allergic Reaction Develop:

1. SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AT THE FIRST SIGN OF ALLERGIC REACTION.  Call 911
   or operator.

Until Ambulance Arrives:

2. Check child's breathing.  If breathing stops, see MOUTH-TO-MOUTH
   RESUSCITATION (previous section).
3. If anaphylaxis kit containing epinephrine is available, follow directions
   for use.
4. Have child lie down; if shortness of breath occurs, have child sit up.
5. Keep child's airway open by tilting child's head back:
   a) Kneel by child's side and place one of your hands on child's forehead.
      Gently tilt child's head back.
   b) Place fingers of your other hand on bony part of child's chin--not on
      throat.
   c) Gently lift child's chin straight up without closing child's mouth.
6. Carefully remove stinger from skin by flicking it with thumb and
   forefinger.  DO NOT squeeze stinger.
7. Wash area gently with soap and water.
8. Observe for shock.  See SHOCK (later section).
9. Cover child lightly with blanket.

If No Signs of Allergic Reaction Appear:

1. Carefully remove stinger from skin by flicking it with thumb and
   forefinger.  DO NOT squeeze stinger.
2. Wash area gently with soap and water.
3. Apply ice pack wrapped in clean cloth to area of sting to relieve pain and
   swelling.
4. Place stung area lower than level of heart to slow spread of venom.