Bee Sting Reactions

Updated: February 2025

Bee sting reactions may result in temporary pain, or more severe symptoms.  Rarely, but in extreme cases, a reaction can even pose dangerous threat to health and life.

Below you will find information about:

• the differing degree of symptoms and reactions
• when to take medical advice
• how to identify, and when to seek emergency assistance for severe bee sting reactions
• preventing bee stings.
  

The most usual reaction to a bee sting includes urticaria,  (nettle rash), some swelling, itching, and general flushing (redness) of the skin area immediately around the sting. 

Removing the sting (if present), plus an ice pack may help relieve symptoms, along with the application of a medication or remedy.  See first aid page, for further advice.

Larger, local reactions can occur, which may be uncomfortable but not serious unless in a sensitive location (see below).  Symptoms could include extensive swelling, could develop, with a white weal around the entry of the sting. In such reactions, swelling may continue for about 12 hours, though swelling may not subside for another two or three days!  If the symptoms show no sign of improvement after a few days, medical assistance may be sought in order to gain effective treatments to deal with the swelling.  You may consider having tests to confirm allergy.

When should I be concerned about bee stings and seek medical advice?

There are scenarios where professional medical assistance may be required, in particular:

1. If there is a known sensitivity to stings
Anyone with a known severe allergy to bee stings should carry an Epi-pen, and should seek assistance from a healthcare professional. 

2. Stings in sensitive areas - especially in children and vulnerable people
Bee stings which occur in particular places (and especially on children) should be seen by a health care professional sooner rather than later.

DO NOT WAIT t for a swelling to get worse!  For example, a bee sting in the mouth could cause swelling and result in difficulty swallowing or breathing.

3. Infection of the sting
In the case of signs of infections (such as swelling and pus), flu-like symptoms and fever, the infection may need to be cleared up with anti-biotics, and the advice/assistance of an appropriately qualified health care professional should be sought. 

4. Severe reaction - seek medical assistance immediately
In the Event of a serious reaction, bee stings can be dangerous! 

Anaphylaxis, is a state of shock (anaphylactic shock) or collapse. 

Medical attention must be sought immediately, as it can be fatal. 

Look out for the following:

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains.
• Rapid heart rate or palpitations (heart beat feeling more rapid, fluttering or pounding), faintness, feeling dizzy.
• chest wheeze, 
• confusion, 
• Difficulty swallowing, swollen face, mouth or throat. 
• Unconsciousness.

It is believed that the sooner these reactions appear after the stinging incident, the more serious the case is likely to be. Seek medical assistance.

For those who are very sensitive to stings, anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes, is very serious, and is a medical emergency.

• Whilst awaiting medical treatment, a collapsed person should be placed in the recovery position, with airways cleared and dentures removed.
• The person should have their clothing loosened, and must be kept warm.
• If you are aware that you or a loved one has a severe allergy to bee stings such as this, you should carry an Epi-pen.
• In addition, if you have an allergy, it is a good idea whilst out and about to wear or carry something that would alert other people to your allergy in the event of a stinging incident, such as a charm or key ring.
  
  
  

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