Bee Sting Allergies Specialist in Coral Gables and Palmetto Bay, FL

Mild symptoms of a bee sting include:

• pain or itching at the site of the sting
• the white spot where the stinger punctured the skin
• redness and slight swelling around the sting
• severe symptoms of a bee sting include:
• hives
• flushed or pale skin
• swelling of the throat, face, and lips
• headache
• dizziness or fainting
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal cramping and diarrhea
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• decrease in blood pressure
• weak and rapid heart rate
• loss of consciousness

Certain people are at a higher risk for bee sting allergies than others are, including those who:

• live in an area near active beehives
• live in an area where bees actively pollinate plants
• spend lots of time outside
• have had a previous allergic reaction to a bee sting
• take certain medications, such as beta-blockers

Adults are more likely to have serious reactions to bee stings than children are, so adults with bee sting allergies need to carry an EpiPen or similar reactionary treatment.

Local reactions to a bee sting develop quickly, oftentimes within minutes. The sooner the stinger is removed, the sooner the flow of toxins into the body is stopped. One to two hours after getting stung, a person with a bee sting will likely experience severe pain. After intense pain, the area will start to become itchy; redness, pain, and swelling can last up to seven days after the incident. These symptoms are common in people who are not allergic to bee stings. If the symptoms seem to get worse after several days, see a doctor such as an allergist.

An anaphylactic (body-wide) reaction to a bee sting can start within two hours of the incident and rapidly progress to serious symptoms. Hives may develop on the face and body, followed by other symptoms such as swelling, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and difficulty breathing (dyspnea). Blood pressure and heart rate can also drop, which can lead to loss of consciousness.

Yes, it is possible to have different levels of reactions to bee stings, from mild, temporary symptoms such as redness, itchiness, and discomfort, to severe, life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis that require immediate medical attention. Only about five percent of people have a severe reaction to bee stings; the other 95% can experience minor to moderate symptoms, which seldom require prompt medical attention.

The length of time that an allergic reaction to a bee sting lasts depends on several factors, such as:

• Gender
• Age
• Allergies
• Number of stings
• Treatment

Bee sting symptoms are categorized in intensity as mild (lasting for a day or two), moderate (lasting for a week), and severe (can strike at any time, either immediately, or after several days).

If you or someone you love is allergic to bee stings, come to Piniella Asthma + Allergy for professional care. Call us today or book an online appointment with our bee sting allergies specialist. We serve patients from Coral Gables FL, Palmetto Bay FL, Westchester FL, Brownsville FL, Kendall FL, Pinecrest FL, Richmond West FL, Goulds FL, and the surrounding areas!