2023-05-17 15:25:54
From the same family as bees, hornets and bumblebees, wasps are Hymenoptera. When they sting, using their stinger, they inoculate a poisonous venom … which may require hospitalization.
If the bee is not naturally aggressive, the wasp tends to be more threatening. In the large Hymenoptera family, only the females have a stinger and, in fact, only the females sting. It can be difficult to clearly distinguish wasp, hornet, bee… What makes it possible to recognize the wasp? Its body is covered with bright yellow and black stripes, its waist is thin. If the bee cannot can only sting once – its stinger stays stuck in the skin and the bee dies immediately – the bees can sting several times and do not leave their stinger in the skin.
In most cases, regardless of the insect of the Hymenoptera family in question, the bite causes mild symptoms: localized pain, swelling (oedema), redness – even itching – which disappears fairly quickly.
Wasp sting: what complications?
Most often, the risks of complications are moderate. Unless :
- we suffer fromvenom allergy ;
- the bite affects the face, neck, mouth and causes difficulty breathing;
- several simultaneous wasp stings (over 20 in adults but only 4 or 5 in children) results in a high and dangerous dose of venom for the body;
The symptoms that should lead to an emergency response after a wasp sting? Fatigue, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, even malaise and loss of consciousness.
In the case of a wasp venom allergy, regardless of the number of bites the individual has suffered. When an allergic person is stung, there is generally an abnormal swelling, exceeding 10 cm in diameter around the sting… and if we do not intervene correctly, the wasp sting can even cause anaphylactic shock. To prevent complications, immediately call the 15 where the 112.
If the person has been bitten several times, if the bite causes breathing difficulties, if the person is allergic to venom… it is imperative to contact the emergency services.
In the case of a sting of this type – be it a bee, bumblebee, hornet, wasp or other insect -:
- We start with remove the stinger immediately taking care not to force too much to prevent more venom from spreading to the sore. In all cases, we act quickly to limit the spread of venom in the body.
- In case of hand puncture, remove rings to prevent complications in case of swelling
- Then disinfect by washing with soap and water before applying an antiseptic or, failing that, a few drops of lemon.
- We can try to destroy the venom and thus limit its spread by applying heat to the bite as quickly as possible: the temperature must be below 50°C…
It itches? To relieve the area, ice can be applied to the stung area (making sure to wrap it in cloth to avoid a cold burn). In case of pain, you can also take an analgesic, taking care to respect the dosage.
If the wound is red, hot, swollen and/or if the pain persists for more than 48 hours, go to the doctor. In case of prick in the throat we act quickly by sucking on an ice cube and we immediately consult a doctor or the emergency room of a hospital. In case of multiple bites (more than 20 in adults), we go to the hospital to prevent a toxic reaction.
Wasp, bee, hornet, bumblebee… what are the risks?
If in most cases, an insect bite is very painful but not serious, certain complications can occur. Particularly in people allergic to venom and in case of multiple bites. There are 3 types of reactions:
- A local reaction, it is the least serious. The sting is accompanied byswelling a few centimeters and a localized redness. This sting is painful and sometimes itchy. Depending on the location of the bite, the swelling may be more or less important. Although this type of sting generally has few consequences, it can still become dangerous in the case of a sting in the throat or mouth, cases in which the swelling can cause a risk of suffocation.
- A toxic reaction. We speak of a toxic reaction when the quantity of venom injected is greater, which generally results in numerous stings on the body. As a reminder, a bee injects about 50 to 100 μg of venom with each sting, and the wasp 2 to 10 μg. The toxic reaction combines the symptoms of the local reaction, associated with a multitude of more general symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, headaches which can go as far as loss of consciousness.
- An allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock). In people allergic to venom of bees, wasps, etc. a single bite is enough to cause anaphylactic shock, that is to say an exacerbated allergic reaction with serious consequences and which can be life-threatening… It manifests itself by a rash with severe itching, swelling of the face, dizziness , pallor, breathing difficulties… In this case, call 100 or 112 for emergency transport to the hospital. The victim is laid down and his feet are raised while waiting for help to arrive.
Pour avoid being stung by a wasp, nothing like covering up! We also take care not to leave the foods that attract them, namely sugar and meat, lying around for too long to prevent the insects from approaching us!
There are also natural tips for effectively repel wasps and bees. Our favourite? Place a small dish filled with lemongrass or geranium essence in the center of the table.
Read also:
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Spider bite: how to recognize it and how to treat it?
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How to treat a jellyfish sting?
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