Wasp sting Health Article

Definition

This article describes the effects of a wasp sting.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

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