Health Encyclopedia

Wasp sting

Definition

This article describes the effects of a wasp sting.

Poisonous Ingredient

Wasp venom, which is injected into you when you are stung

Where Found

Wasp

Symptoms

Most people stung by a wasp will have only swelling, itching, and pain at the site of the sting.

Those allergic to wasps, however, may also have the following symptoms:

Breathing difficulty
Collapse
Severe decrease in blood pressure
Swelling of the face and lips
Swelling of throat

Home Treatment

If you are allergic to bee, wasp, or yellow jacket stings, it is important to carry a bee sting kit (which requires a prescription) and become familiar with how to use it if necessary.

If stung, scrape a blunt object over the area to remove the stinger. Do not use tweezers, since these may squeeze the venom sac and increase the amount of venom released.

Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. If patient has blood flow problems, place the ice on the skin for a shorter amount of time. (In such persons, ice may cause circulatory damage to the skin.)

After a sting, call poison control or a hospital emergency room for guidance if the person has an allergic reaction (severe swelling or difficulty breathing). It may be necessary to go to the hospital if the reaction is severe.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Type of insect
Time the sting occurred
Location of the sting

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

If an emergency room visit is necessary, the health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may also receive breathing support, if needed.

Expectations (prognosis)

If an allergic reaction occurs, death may occur within 1 hour. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Symptoms in those who do not have a sting allergy are likely to go away completely within a week.

Review Date:10/24/2007
Reviewed By:Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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