Day 1: Common bites, stings this spring season
Today's focus is on bees, wasps and hornets ...
Spring is slowly but surely creeping towards us and here’s what you need to know about common bites and stings this spring season, courtesy of ER24.
South Africa is home to a rich variety of insects and arachnids and many are found in our homes and gardens. Bees, wasps, scorpions, hornets and spiders can pose a risk, particularly to young children.
Read more:Â Watch out for bee stings this spring
• Bees, wasps and hornets
Generally, a sting from a bee or hornet will only result in a localised reaction, although it may result in life-threatening symptoms in people who are highly allergic to bee venom.
Local reactions include:
• Burning: lasting between one and two hours, then followed by itching
• Swelling: can continue for 24 hours and only subside after seven days
• Redness: This can last up to three days and is usually not caused by infection
Treatment for mild reactions to stings
Only bees leave their stingers behind. Some say not to squeeze the stinger when you remove it. Rather use tweezers or scrape it off with a clean credit card. Make sure you remove it completely. If it is below the skin’s surface, leave it there to fall out naturally. For pain and itching, apply ice or a cool compress for 20 minutes to bring relief. Some doctors may recommend over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen, or an antihistamine.
Severe allergic reactions
The biggest risk associated with bee stings is that the small amount of venom they release may trigger an allergic reaction and lead to anaphylaxis, a severe life-threatening allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis occurs when your body develops a severe allergic reaction to something, such as food, medication or stings. Symptoms include:
• Swelling of the tongue, throat, body
• Suddenly developing a hoarse voice
• Rash, often itchy hives and/ or redness
• Feeling lightheaded or fainting episodes
• Tight chest, wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Abnormally fast heartbeat
• Clammy skin
• Confusion
• Vomiting or stomach pain
• Sense of impending doom
• Treatment for severe allergic reactions to stings
If someone in your family experiences any of the above symptoms after a sting:
• Administer auto-injectable epinephrine (adrenaline) if it has previously been prescribed and is on hand. (In some people who are high risk or suffered previous life threatening allergic events doctors will likely have given them adrenalin to keep on hand in case of emergency in the form of an EpiPen, as early intervention is imperative)
• Lie the person down with their feet elevated
• Call an ambulance urgently
• In severe allergic reactions, a person will likely be monitored in hospital (at times ICU or high care) until their symptoms have resolved. After recovery, the person who had the reaction would need to see a GP or a doctor specialising in allergies to formulate a treatment and prevention plan for future exposures to the insect
If you’re unsure of what to do about a bite or sting, the best option is to call the Poison Information Helpline (0861 555 777) or visit your closest
emergency room or GP, especially if the patient is a small child. Home remedies are best avoided unless recommended by your doctor.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za  (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
