2023-08-16 14:13:11
Most of the time a wasp sting is not serious. Painful at the time, it can lead to unpleasant signs at the site of the bite. But these manifestations quickly fade over the hours. It can be swelling, sharp pain, redness or itching.
Nevertheless, a wasp sting can lead to significant complications in the event of toxic shock (when the bites are numerous), location in the mouth or throat (the risk is then that the swelling interferes with breathing) or even allergic reaction.
In the general population, the frequency of allergic reactions to a Hymenoptera sting (bee, bumblebee, wasp, hornet) is between 0.5 and 5%. L’Hymenoptera venom allergy, like all allergies, is an overreaction of the immune system. It has no connection with the quantity of venom injected; it is the consequence of the synthesis by our body ofspecific antibodies (training ofimmunoglobulines E or IgE) who interact with the allergenic protein contained in the venom. These antibodies are responsible for the symptoms of allergy.
How many times can you be bitten before the allergy?
L’wasp sting allergy only affects part of the population. Some people will be able to be stung a multitude of times without ever developing an allergy, while others will show signs of allergy following several stings.
Certain factors predispose to the development of an allergy to wasp stings such as:
- of the history of allergies to hymenoptera stings (wasp, bee, bumblebee, hornet…) in the same family;
- and atopic terrain (which results in having other allergies such as an allergy to pollen, dust mites or food allergies for example).
Predisposed people will have to be stung at least twice to develop the allergy. The mechanism of allergy takes place in two stages. At the first contact, the organism becomes sensitized to the allergen contained in the venom and produces IgE. It is from the 2nd contact that the symptoms appear, defining the allergy.
How do you know if you have an allergic reaction to a wasp sting?
Allergy symptoms are immediate, appearing within half an hour of being bitten. After this time, the chances of developing a serious reaction decrease.
Signs of wasp venom allergy
THE signs of hymenoptera sting allergy can be localized with a painand swellinga redness and significant and lasting itching at the site of the bite.
Recognize anaphylactic shock
Sometimes general signs more disturbing are likely to appear. We are then talking regarding anaphylactic shocka serious allergic reaction with 4 grades of severity:
- Grade 1 : redness, itching, rashes, generalized urticaria, headaches, surrounding, more or less voluminous edema of the face and mucous membranes;
- Grade 2 : in addition to the grade 1 signs, nausea, breathing difficulties, cough, drop in blood pressure, malaise (even loss of consciousness) and rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). In this case, the administration of adrenaline treatment is necessary to stop the symptoms.
- Grade 3 : in addition to the grade 2 signs, vomiting, diarrhoea, bronchospasms, cyanoea (bluish skin) and sometimes a state of shock.
- Grade 4 : the patient may have respiratory or circulatory arrest (risk of death).
Anaphylactic shock is the most violent allergic reaction with a life-threatening risk.
Quincke’s edema: what symptoms?
A wasp sting can cause a angioedema (also called angioedema). The latter is generally located on the face, lips and eyelids. Its onset is sudden, extends from the skin to the throat and larynx and can cause:
- a difficulty swallowing,
- and swelling in the face,
- and tongue swelling,
- and throat swelling,
- of the breathing difficulties can go up to choking.
Angioedema is a medical emergency that can be associated with anaphylactic shock but there can also be such shock without angioedema.
Wasp sting allergy: how long does the swelling last?
Swelling and other symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction progress rapidly. In the absence of immediate emergency treatment, a severe reaction can be fatal (especially if the edema affects the airways). Nevertheless, the signs of allergy eventually reach their climax in the hours following the bite before decreasing.
Sometimes, it happens that the symptoms reappear 4 to 8 hours following the injection of venom, or even later. These symptoms are usually less severe than at first, but they can be more severe and even fatal. This is why a severe allergic reaction to a wasp sting may require medical supervision in a hospital setting.
What to do in case of allergy to a wasp sting?
If you observe signs of allergy for the first time, you should immediately call the FIND au 15 or to 112 (European Union) or contact the 114 by text message.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction and you have an emergency kit containing a self-injectable adrenaline pen you can perform this injection quickly. Quickly call the SAMU or consult a doctor and remember to report the injection.
While waiting for help to arrive, remove rings and bracelets in case of puncture in the hand so as not to impede the circulation of blood if swelling develops. Disinfect the bitten area with soap and water.then apply a antiseptic solution or White vinegar. Wasps sting without leaving a sting in the skin, so there is no need to search for it to remove it.
You can immediately apply sting point ice cream to reduce swelling and pain.
If you feel unwell, lie down immediately in the lateral safety position (PLS) while waiting for help to arrive.
Be careful if the sting causes a edema in the airwaysThink of suck on an ice cube. This helps reduce swelling and allow you to breathe better while waiting for help.
Remember to check that the tetanus vaccination is up to date (although the wasp’s sting does not remain in the skin, the risks of infection remain present). Contact a doctor in case of infectious signs (fever, chills, body aches, pain in nearby joints, etc.).
Desensitization to prevent relapses
In the event of a severe allergic reaction to a wasp sting, the doctor may suggest a desensitization treatmentn to be carried out with an allergist in order to avoid recurrences.
The desensitization (or specific immunotherapy) consists in administering, over a long period (several years), extracts of allergens in progressive doses, so as to stimulate the immune system and make the person tolerant to the substance.
This is performed by subcutaneous injection under medical supervision or by sublingual intake, depending on the results of the allergological assessment.
This method is very effective in preventing allergies to Hymenoptera venom (wasps, bees, bumblebees, etc.).
Side effects (triggering of rhinitis, an asthma attack, appearance of a drop in blood pressure, etc.) occurring following administration of the product may be warning signs and require treatment to be interrupted.
Beneficial effects are often seen following a few months and persist following stopping treatment.
Note that people allergic to wasp stings should absolutely avoid them. Here are a few tips :
- Avoid walking barefoot;
- Prefer covering clothes and light colors;
- Avoid consuming sugary foods or soft drinks (soda);
- Forget perfume and other cosmetics with greedy smells in summer. Prefer creams or vegetable oils mixed with repellent essential oils.
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