12 Tree Pollen Allergy Symptoms to Recognize (and Treat)
How To Treat A Bee Sting
The treatment of bee and wasp stings depends on their severity. The majority of problems that require medical attention come from an allergic reaction to the sting. In most cases, complications from that reaction respond well to medications when given in time.
Step-by-step instructions on how to treat a bee sting
Insects that pollinate plants play an important part in our food system, because they are essential to growing many fruits and vegetables. But insect stings can be painful, and in some cases, dangerous.
Avoiding bee stings
Here are some steps you can take to avoid being stung:
Keep away. Bees can be defensive if you get too close to their nests. Stay 10-20 feet away.
Mow carefully. Avoid running over nests with your lawnmower.
Ride safely. Don't ride horses near known honey bee nests.
Keep kids away. Don't let children disturb nests, including throwing rocks or poking nests with sticks.
Dress suitably. Clothes with bright colors and floral patterns can attract bees. Wear long pants and closed shoes if you're going to an area where you expect bees. Avoid loose clothing when working outside; bees can get trapped between your clothes and skin.
Skip the scent. Floral fragrances in perfumes, toiletries, and cosmetics can attract bees.
Watch your drink. Bees are attracted to sugary drinks such as sodas. They can land on the glass and sting if you're not aware of them.
Don't run. If you're surrounded by bees, stand still. This will keep them calm. They may fly away without stinging.
Wear repellant. Bug spray intended to keep mosquitoes from biting you also can repel bees.
Limit attractions. Keep food and trash outside tightly covered. Clear away rotting fruits. Remove animal feces, because it attracts flies, which can, in turn, attract wasps.
Shut your car windows. If you keep the windows rolled up, bees can't get into your car while you're driving.
Call a pro. If you have hives or nests near your home, have them removed by someone who specializes in it.
Know the difference. Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are other types of stinging insects. They can make nests in the ground or on trees or buildings. They're aggressive about protecting their nests. They can sting you more than once, unlike bees.
First aid for people with bee and wasp sting allergies
About 3% of adults and 0.5% of children are allergic to stings. Here are the steps you need to take after someone who is allergic has been stung:
If you know you may be allergic, especially if you've had a severe reaction in the past when stung by a bee or wasp, seek immediate medical help. Take an antihistamine as soon as possible. If you've been prescribed epinephrine (Adrenaclick, Auvi-Q, EpiPen, Symjepi, or a generic version of the auto-injector) for an allergic reaction, always carry two with you and use as directed.
First aid for people without allergies
If you're not allergic, a few simple steps should be enough. Remove the stinger, wash the wound, and apply ice. You can take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. You may want to remove jewelry or clothing that could become uncomfortably tight with swelling. If the sting affects an arm or leg, lifting the limb might reduce swelling.
If you're not sure what to do, a poison control center can provide advice. The number in the U.S. Is 1-800-222-1222.
When to seek medical attention for a bee sting
A severe allergic reaction — called anaphylaxis — is a medical emergency. Signs that you should seek help right away include:
If you're not allergic, you can treat most stings at home. In some cases, though, you may want to see a doctor.
Wound care for bee stings
Types of bees that will sting include bumblebees, honeybees, and carpenter bees. But only the female can sting. A quick way to tell bees from wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets -- bees are furry. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images)
If you have a single sting with no allergic symptoms, you may require only local wound care such as cleaning and applying antibiotic ointment. Any stingers that remain will be removed.
Medicine for bee stings
You may be given an oral antihistamine to treat itching. A doctor may also tell you to use ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain. If your tetanus immunization is not current, you'll receive a booster shot.
Bee sting rash treatment
If you have mild allergic symptoms such as a rash and itching over your body but no problems with breathing or other vital signs, you may be treated with an antihistamine. You also may be given steroids. In some cases, the doctor will give you an epinephrine (adrenaline) injection. Treatment may be started at the scene or in the ambulance by emergency medics. If you are doing well, you may be sent home after observation in the emergency department.
Breathing problems after bee sting
If you have a more moderate allergic reaction such as a rash all over the body and some mild problems breathing, you'll probably receive injections of antihistamines, steroids, and epinephrine. Some of these treatments may be started at the scene or in the ambulance by emergency medics. You'll probably need to be observed for a long period in the emergency department. In some cases, you may be admitted to the hospital.
Severe allergic reaction to bee sting
If you have a severe allergic reaction such as low blood pressure, swelling blocking airflow to the lungs, or other serious problems breathing, you have a true life-threatening emergency. Treatment may include placing a breathing tube into your trachea. You'll probably be given injections of antihistamines, steroids, and epinephrine. Intravenous fluids may also be given. Some of these treatments may start at the scene or in the ambulance. You will be closely monitored in the emergency department and probably will be admitted to the hospital, possibly in the intensive care unit.
Treatment after multiple stings
If you disturb a nest or hive, there's a chance you could be stung repeatedly. A few stings aren't a serious problem if you're not allergic. But if you're stung a dozen times or more, a lot of venom can build up in your body. You might need prolonged observation in the emergency department or admission to the hospital. The doctor might order multiple blood tests.
Bee sting in the mouth or throat
If you are stung inside the mouth or throat, you may need to remain in the emergency department for observation, or you may need more intensive management if complications develop.
Bee sting on the eyeball
If you are stung on the eyeball, you'll probably need to be evaluated by an eye doctor.
Once you've had an allergic reaction to a sting, you're at risk for a more serious reaction if you're stung again. You can take steps to avoid another reaction.
Allergy skin testing. If you've had a serious reaction to a bee or wasp sting, talk to your doctor about allergy skin testing. This involves scratching the skin and exposing it to purified, freeze-dried venom. This can help your doctor determine how serious your allergy is. Another option is a blood test called radioallergosorbent test (RAST), but it won't tell your doctor how severe the allergy is. It will merely confirm that an allergy exists.
Neither test is 100% reliable. About 20% of RAST tests show an allergy where none exists or fail to show an allergy that you have. Only about 20% of people who have a positive skin test will have a serious allergic reaction.
There's no need to test for a sting allergy if you've never had a reaction. However, allergies can be inherited. If you're allergic to bee stings, be aware that your child might also have a reaction if stung.
Bee sting kits. Carrying a bee sting kit can reduce your risk of a serious reaction to future stings. Your doctor can prescribe a kit, which includes the drug epinephrine. You'll need to give yourself a shot right away if you're stung again.
Make sure you know how to use the epinephrine auto-injector, and carry your kit with you all the time. People close to you also should learn how to use the auto-injector, so they can help you if you can't give yourself the shot.
Medical alert bracelets. Medical alert bracelets and necklaces let others know about your medical condition if you're not able to communicate in an emergency. Consider wearing one that describes your allergy.
Venom immunotherapy. If you've had a severe reaction and a positive venom skin test, you might try venom immunotherapy. You'll get a weekly series of shots of purified venom. It can prevent a future anaphylactic reaction.
What attracts bees?
Bees like scents that mimic flowers. That could be your perfume, aftershave, sunscreen, shampoo or other toiletries, or cosmetics. They like floral-print clothing and are attracted to shiny things such as jewelry and buckles. Beekeepers wear all-white clothing when they're around hives.
Bee and wasp stings can be painful, but unless you're allergic, they're unlikely to cause major health problems. You can treat a sting at home by removing the stinger, cleaning the wound, and applying ice to reduce swelling. If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, swelling to other parts of your body, or trouble breathing, you need immediate medical care. Once you've had an allergic reaction to a sting, reactions to future stings could be more serious. Talk with your doctor about steps to prevent a serious reaction.
What's the best treatment for a bee sting?
If you're stung, try to remove the stinger right away. Then wash the wound and apply ice to prevent swelling. You may want to take an antihistamine to relieve itching or an OTC pain reliever for your discomfort. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction and seek help right away if you see signs of a reaction.
What neutralizes bee stings?
Topical home remedies that might help with bee stings include:
Studies have shown that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that might soothe a sting. There's not much research to suggest how well other home remedies work.
How long does a bee sting last?
Once you remove the stinger, you should see some improvement in your symptoms. Within a few hours, your symptoms may be mostly gone. The swelling and redness should go away in a few days, though sometimes it can take 7-10 days for the wound to completely clear up.
Is vinegar good for bee stings?
Vinegar is another home remedy touted for bee stings. But vinegar is acidic and can burn your skin, so it may not be the best choice.
What is the best treatment for a wasp sting?
Treat a wasp sting the same way you would a bee sting — remove the stinger, clean the wound, and apply ice. Watch for any signs of allergic reaction.
Will Benadryl help a wasp sting?
Yes, if the symptoms are mild, an antihistamine such as Benadryl will help.
How long does a wasp sting last?
If you're not allergic, a wasp sting should completely clear up within a week.
6 Causes Of Swollen Lips
Swollen lips are caused by underlying inflammation or a buildup of fluid under the skin of your lips. Many things can trigger swollen lips, from minor skin conditions to severe allergic reactions.
Read on to learn about the possible causes and their additional symptoms and when you should seek emergency treatment.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause swollen lips. Any type of allergy can cause anaphylaxis, and it can happen within minutes or more than half an hour after encountering an allergen.
It's sometimes called anaphylactic shock because it causes your immune system to flood your body with chemicals that can make you go into shock.
Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with an injection of epinephrine (EpiPen).
If you know you have allergies, talk to your healthcare provider about getting a prescription for a portable epinephrine injection that you can carry with you. Make sure your close friends, coworkers, and family members know how to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis and use epinephrine.
Most of the other causes of swollen lips don't need emergency treatment, but you should still follow up with your healthcare provider to make sure there's nothing else going on.
Allergies are your body's reaction to certain substances. When you encounter something you're allergic to, your body produces a chemical called histamine.
The release of histamine can lead to classic allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy skin, and inflammation. This inflammation may cause swollen lips. There are several types of allergies, and all of them can cause your lips to swell.
Environmental allergiesYou may have an allergic reaction to substances in the environment. These are often unavoidable and include pollen, mold spores, dust, and pet dander.
Other symptoms of environmental allergies include:
An allergist can help treat environmental allergies. They'll perform skin or blood tests to determine what you're allergic to. Based on the results, they may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine. If your allergies are severe, you may need allergy shots.
Food allergiesFood allergies are a common cause of swollen lips. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 6 percent of adults and up to 8 percent of children have food allergies.
The swelling usually starts as soon as you eat something you're allergic to. Many foods can trigger allergies, especially eggs, nuts, dairy and shellfish.
Food allergies can also cause:
The only way to treat food allergies is to avoid foods you're sensitive to. If you experience swollen lips after eating a meal, keep a food diary and note any allergy symptoms you have. This can help you narrow down what's causing your allergies.
Other allergiesInsect bites or stings may also cause swollen lips. If you're allergic to bees, for example, you might have swelling throughout your body after being stung. A quick-acting allergy medication, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can help reduce swelling and itching after an insect bite or sting.
Drug allergies can also cause swollen lips. One of the most common causes of drug allergies, according to the ACAAI, is penicillin. About 10 percent of people are allergic to this common antibiotic.
Other possible causes of drug allergies include other types of antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and anticonvulsants. Some people undergoing cancer treatments also find they're allergic to chemotherapy drugs.
Other symptoms of drug allergies include:
Like food allergies, the best way to treat allergic reactions to medications is to avoid them.
Angioedema is a short-term condition that causes swelling deep under your skin. It can be caused by allergies, nonallergic drug reactions, or hereditary conditions. The swelling can affect any part of your body, but it's most common in your lips or eyes.
Other symptoms of angioedema include:
Angioedema symptoms usually last for 24 to 48 hours. It's treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine injections.
Your doctor can help you determine the right medication based on the cause and severity of your angioedema. Antihistamines tend to work well for allergy-related angioedema. Nonallergic and hereditary angioedema usually respond well to corticosteroids.
Injuries to the face, especially around your mouth or jaw, can cause swollen lips.
Causes of facial injuries include:
Depending on the type of injury, you may also have bruising, scrapes, and bleeding.
Treating injury-related swollen lips depends on the cause. For mild injuries, applying an ice pack can help with pain. You can also apply heat to reduce swelling.
If you have a deep cut or can't stop the bleeding, seek treatment at an emergency department or urgent care clinic right away. Also, keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as swelling, heat, redness, or tenderness. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms.
Cheilitis glandularis is an inflammatory condition that only affects the lips. According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, it's most common in men. Doctors aren't sure what causes it, but it seems to be associated with UV exposure, lip injuries, and smoking.
Other lip symptoms include:
Cheilitis glandularis often doesn't need treatment. However, it does make you more prone to bacterial infections. These usually need to be treated with antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is an inflammatory neurological condition that affects the face. The main symptom of MRS is swollen lips. In some cases, it can also cause a fissured tongue or facial paralysis. Most people only experience one or two of these symptoms at a time.
MRS is rare and likely genetic. It's commonly treated with corticosteroids and NSAIDs to help reduce swelling.
Cheilitis granulomatous, sometimes called Miescher cheilitis, is another possible cause of swollen lips. It's a rare inflammatory condition that causes lumpy swelling in your lips. Doctors often refer to it as a subtype of MRS.
Like MRS, cheilitis granulomatous is usually treated with corticosteroids and NSAIDs, which can help reduce swelling.
Several things can cause your lips to swell, from common allergies to rare genetic conditions. Work with your healthcare provider to figure out the underlying cause so you can treat it or avoid it in the future.
In the meantime, taking over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil), may help reduce swelling.
Why Are My Lips Swollen?
Lips can become swollen if fluid builds up in the skin tissue or if there is underlying inflammation. Causes include allergic reactions, angioedema, and injuries.
Swollen lips have a range of causes, which vary from normal to potentially dangerous.
In this article, we look at what causes swollen lips, how to treat them, and when to see a doctor.
There are a range of causes for swollen lips with different symptoms, including skin conditions and severe allergic reactions.
It is essential for people with swollen lips to identify their specific symptoms and potential causes so that they can receive appropriate treatment.
Additional symptoms can include:
Often, lips swell because of an allergic reaction to substances in the environment, foods, or medications. These three triggers are discussed below.
An allergic reaction is an immune system response that occurs when the body reacts negatively to a certain substance.
When a person has an allergic reaction, certain cells in the body produce and release a chemical called histamine.
Histamine's job is to protect the body, but in doing so, it causes swelling and often itching as part of an inflammatory response.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) estimates that more than millions of Americans have some form of allergy.
People can be allergic to many different things, but some common allergies that can cause swollen lips include:
Environmental allergiesEnvironmental allergies are allergic reactions to substances found in the environment.
Common allergies include pollen, mold spores, dust, and pet dander (tiny particles of skin shed by an animal).
Symptoms of an environmental allergy include:
Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, a person can often treat the allergy with an over-the-counter antihistamine.
In more serious cases, a person can get a series of allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, to help the body get used to the allergens.
Food allergiesThe ACAAI reports that almost 6% of American adults and children have a food allergy.
Allergies tend to run in families, but it is impossible to predict if a parent will pass an allergy on to their child.
About 90% of food allergies involve the following foods:
Besides swollen lips, the ACAAI lists the following symptoms of food allergies:
The main way to manage a food allergy is to avoid the food that triggers it. This can involve reading labels carefully and asking about ingredients at restaurants.
A dietitian or nutritionist can often advise on the best course of action regarding a diet for a specific allergy.
Other allergiesInsect bites, stings, and allergies to specific drugs can also cause the lips to swell.
Some people have allergies to particular medications. This can include antibiotics, penicillin is usually the main culprit.
Other common symptoms of a penicillin allergy include:
If a person experiences these symptoms after taking a medication that contains penicillin, they should stop taking it immediately and consult their doctor. Other medication options are often available.
Other drugs that can cause an allergic reaction that may be like this include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticonvulsants, and drugs associated with chemotherapy.
AnaphylaxisSerious allergic reactions can be in the form an acute allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. When anaphylaxis is severe, a person can have anaphylactic shock.
This reaction can be dangerous and, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), even fatal. Some people may not even realize they have an allergy to something until they experience anaphylaxis.
The AAAAI lists five groups of symptoms of anaphylaxis:
Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical treatment. The first course of action is to inject a dose of epinephrine, such as through an EpiPen, and then to get to an emergency room.
Aside from allergies, some other things can cause swollen lips. These include:
AngioedemaThis is typically a short-term condition that happens when there is swelling under the skin.
It often occurs as an adverse side effect of a medication or in response to a trigger that causes an allergy.
Angioedema often affects the lips along with other body parts, including:
Angioedema is not considered to be a serious condition, and it will usually go away on its own within a few days.
If angioedema is caused by an allergy, then an antihistamine is the usual treatment method.
If it is caused by a medication, a person may need to stop the current course of treatment and see their doctor to find an alternative.
InjuriesMinor cuts, wounds, and lacerations to the lips can cause swelling. The lips have a rich blood supply, so they are susceptible to swelling.
To treat lip injuries, clean the area and stop any bleeding with a clean cloth or bandage. It is also possible to reduce swelling by applying an ice pack to the affected area.
A person should seek help from a healthcare professional if the injury is:
Rare medical conditionsA rare condition that can cause swollen lips is granulomatous cheilitis.
Both conditions can usually be treated with prescription medication, although in some cases, surgical reduction may be necessary. If there is an underlying cause, treatment should address it.
There are several reasons as to why lips become swollen, but in most cases, it is not serious and will disappear on its own.
Anyone with swollen lips should see a doctor if they are experiencing severe symptoms, such as those associated with anaphylaxis.
Most cases of swollen lips do not require emergency care and will often go away on their own within a few days.
Identifying the underlying cause of swollen lips is essential. If a person requires treatment, such as in the case of an allergy, they should see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
There may be several reasons why a person's lips are swollen, ranging from common allergies to rare medical conditions. In most cases, the swelling is not serious and will disappear on its own.
Still, a person should seek help if they experience severe symptoms or have concerns about their swollen lips.
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