What to do when you are bitten by a bumblebee. What to do if you are bitten by a wasp, bee, bumblebee or hornet. There are several types of reactions to a bumblebee sting

Bumblebees generally do not pose a threat to humans. Only a sense of danger can force a bumblebee to bite a person; it can only sting for the purpose of self-defense. The sting with which the bumblebee injects poison, as a rule, does not remain in the skin, since it does not have serrations. A small amount of toxic substance can provoke a specific allergic type reaction. A bumblebee bite is characterized by itching, redness, thickening, and pain on the affected area of ​​the skin. Therefore, it is important to become familiar with how to react correctly and what actions to take to minimize Negative consequences in such cases.

Types of bumblebees and their bites

The bumblebee, a member of the Hymenoptera family, is considered a large bee and there are about 50 species in Europe alone. They differ from each other in size, shape, color, and ability to bite. They are divided into 3 groups:

  • Queen Bumble Bees;
  • Working bumblebees;
  • Drones.

Of these three groups, drones are the safest for humans because they do not have a sting. Only female royal or working bumblebees can bite.

The most common European bumblebee species are:

  • Purple bumblebee - has a black color with violet-blue wings. This is one of the largest types of insects. They are not aggressive, but the consequences of a blue bumblebee bite can be quite painful.
  • Stone bumblebee. It is distinguished by a scarlet belly against the background of a dark body. Lives between stones in large quantities.
  • Earth bumblebee. It is black in color with yellow hairs on the chest. It has a sting, but only bites when it senses danger. Lives in ground burrows and nests.
  • Garden bumblebee. It is black and yellow in color and lives in trees and stumps. This is the most small view, insect height is about 20 mm.

Does a bumblebee have a sting?

The structure of the bumblebee's body is special in that the sting is present only in females of a certain species. Since the structure of the sting does not allow it to catch on the skin, after a bite the insect cannot leave the sting on the victim’s body.

After the bite has been made, a portion of poison is sprayed from the sting, the components of which can provoke a specific reaction in a person.

Interesting! Since the insect does not lose its sting after an attack, it does not die and continues to lead its usual way of life.

Why is a bumblebee dangerous?

At first glance, an unexpected incident in the form of an insect bite should not cause panic or strong negative consequences. There may be slight redness, thickening, or burning at the site of the bite. This outcome awaits those who do not have a predisposition to allergic reactions. If a person has a tendency to individual intolerance to serotonin (one of the toxic components of the poison), then the consequences can be much more dire. An allergic reaction can cause swelling of the mucous membranes, nausea, dizziness, and in rare cases, anaphylactic shock.

People with weak immune systems (pregnant women, children) are especially at risk. In addition, if the bite of a carpenter bumblebee occurs in the area of ​​the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, cheeks, eyes, or tongue, then the consequences can be extremely dangerous to the health of the victim. After a bite, severe swelling of the mucous membranes appears, and the functioning of the affected areas is disrupted. Severe consequences such as suffocation are extremely rare.

Multiple bites in a short period of time are also dangerous. The concentration of the poison may cause a toxic reaction and adversely affect performance nervous system. The least dangerous thing for a person is a bumblebee bite on the arm or leg, especially if the blood vessels were not affected.

Does a bumblebee sting people and why?

If a person does not intend to harm insects, does not try to destroy their hive or remove the family’s reserves, then there is no need to be afraid of a negative reaction from bumblebees. They will not attack or sting until they sense danger. If it is not possible to avoid the company of these insects, then it is better not to provoke them into self-defense and calmly react to the appearance of a bumblebee in the viewing area.

There are provoking factors and signs that cause fear in representatives of Hymenoptera and may be the reason for their attack. These include strong odors of perfume, alcohol, as well as fast, sudden movements.

Symptoms and appearance of the bite

If a person is bitten by a bumblebee, then the body’s reaction to external stimulus won't keep you waiting long. When a bumblebee bites, the sting does not remain in the skin, but the dose of toxic substance received from it still gives the body an alarm signal. By the way the bite site looks, you can determine whether it is an allergic or non-allergic type of reaction. Quite often, a color change occurs in the affected area skin, a lump appears, which can cause pain and other discomfort(itching, burning). A non-allergic type reaction may last several days and disappear over time.

If the human body is prone to an allergic reaction to the components of the poison, then the consequences of a bumblebee bite will be of a different nature.

Symptoms of a bite during an allergic reaction:

  • Redness, rash, and blisters all over the body;
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • Breathing problems;
  • Heat.

If a bumblebee stings the eye, head, or lip, then severe swelling of the tissues and disruption of the functioning of the affected organs are observed, which can provoke a fainting and convulsive state.

Complications and consequences

Serious consequences from a one-time bumblebee bite can occur if a person has an individual intolerance to some components of the poisonous substance or a very weak immune system. In this case, after a bumblebee bite, a sharp reaction of the body is observed in a matter of minutes. This may include chills, fever, dizziness, swelling of the whole body, and convulsions.

If there has been repeated administration of a toxic substance to insects over a short period of time, the toxic reaction is accompanied by dizziness, weakness, and irregular heart rhythm. In rare cases, anaphylactic shock is possible. Therefore, to avoid serious consequences, it is better to immediately consult a doctor for help.

What to do if you are bitten by a bumblebee - first aid

If a person is bitten by a bumblebee, first aid must be provided immediately, which can be done at home. Moreover, if there is no reaction of an allergic (toxic) type and dangerous areas of the skin have not been touched, then you can do without going to medical institutions.

First aid to be provided for a bumblebee bite:

  • Remove the remaining sting. It should not be entirely in the victim’s body, but there are exceptions when its broken part remains on the affected area of ​​​​the skin. In this case, you need to remove it with sterile tweezers.
  • Treat the wound. The bite site is washed with hydrogen peroxide or another antiseptic to disinfect the wound.
  • Cold compress. Applying cold objects will help relieve the victim of pain and relieve swelling.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. It will help to quickly remove the components of the bumblebee toxic substance from the body.

If a specific allergic type reaction is detected in the victim, then additionally you need to take antiallergic drugs, which should be prescribed by a doctor. Damage to the mucous membranes (mouth, throat, cheeks, neck) can cause breathing problems, including asphyxia. In this case, you should immediately contact the hospital to coordinate further actions with your doctor.

How to treat a bumblebee bite?

Correct and timely treatment for a bumblebee bite reduces the occurrence of complications and helps the body quickly get rid of the toxic substance. The victim can be treated using folk remedies, as well as various medicinal and homeopathic preparations.

To treat the wound, antiseptic agents in the form of alcohol, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide are used. Among the antiallergic medications, Suprastin, Kestin, Erius help well. Local treatment can be prescribed in the form of ointments Fenistil, Levomekol, Advantan, Psilo-balm, gold star. Among homeopathic remedies, the drug Apis Mellifica is used, which relieves the symptoms of a bite and prevents the occurrence of complications.

When is a doctor needed?

If you are bitten by a bumblebee, you should contact a medical facility in the following cases:

  • Repeated administration of bumblebee venom in a short period of time;
  • Insect damage to a person with a weak immune system or prone to allergies;
  • Defeats hazardous areas skin (eyes, nose, head, mouth);
  • Complications after a bite in the form of infection in the wound and the formation of pustules.

How to numb the bite site?

To quickly numb the bite site, you need to apply a cold compress to the affected area. If after time the pain does not subside, then you can use topical medications in the form of ointments and gels. At home, the effect of the poison can be partially reduced with the juice of sour apples and lemon. Acid helps neutralize the effects of toxic substances.

How to relieve swelling and itching?

To reduce swelling after a bumblebee bite, you need to anoint the wound with hydrocortisone ointment or Advantan, Rescuer, Diprospan. Before removing swelling with medicines, you can try home remedies. In such cases, aloe and cucumber juice are used. Homeopathic medicines Apis and Ledum also help in the fight against swelling and itching from a bumblebee bite.

Traditional methods

Traditional methods in the fight against bumblebee bites are also effective when applied in a timely manner. Compresses from:

  • dandelion or plantain leaves;
  • crushed onions or its juice;
  • lemon juice, apple;
  • raw potatoes, tomatoes;
  • water-soda solution.

Relieves symptoms after a bite by rubbing the affected area of ​​skin with a cooled banana olive oil or frozen milk cubes. Treating the bite site with herbal decoctions also relieves symptoms and speeds up the wound healing process. Dried chamomile and calendula flowers and basil are used for decoctions. Lotions are made from an alcoholic infusion of calendula.

Bites during pregnancy and children

Bumblebee bites that strike a pregnant woman are especially dangerous. Since the body’s protective functions are not able to fully combat the toxic substance, complications may arise that are dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Individual intolerance to the components of bumblebee venom, an allergic reaction of the mother or a dangerous bite site can provoke pregnancy complications, bleeding, and premature birth.

Young children and people with chronic diseases are also at risk. In such cases, the immune system cannot fight external pathogens, and severe consequences often occur. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor in time to prevent the development of complications.

What is contraindicated to do if you are bitten by a bumblebee?

In case of a bumblebee bite, it is prohibited:

  • rubbing and scratching the affected area, as the wound may become infected;
  • take hot baths and alcohol, since under such conditions the toxic substance will disperse throughout the body faster;
  • use non-sterile means for compresses, due to the possibility of infection of the bite site;
  • use sleeping pills, which will increase the toxic effect of the toxic substance.

Prevention

To avoid a possible aggressive bumblebee attack, you need to familiarize yourself with the precautions. These peace-loving insects will not attack just like that, which means that in order to protect yourself, you do not need to provoke them to attack. For preventive purposes it is recommended:

  • refuse to walk barefoot on the ground or grass;
  • do not use strong odors spirits, being in the forest, in the park, in the country, near the river;
  • in places where they are crowded, wear a hat, as well as clothing covering your arms and legs;
  • use protective Mosquito nets on the windows;
  • do not drive them away with sudden movements, it is better not to move when they approach;
  • When staying in nature for a long time, it is better to use special means that drive away insects.

Representatives of the Hymenoptera family do not pose danger to people and can easily fly past if they do not sense danger. If a provoking factor did occur, then the bumblebee can sting and spray a dose of poison into the human body. Proper and timely assistance will help quickly remove the negative consequences of a bumblebee bite, and the victim will only get away with a slight fright.

The bumblebee, unlike the wasp and even the bee, is considered a very peaceful insect. It stings rarely and only if a person poses a threat to him or his hive. Therefore, not everyone knows how to relieve a bumblebee sting - what to do immediately after a sting, how to treat the wound, prevent it from becoming infected and the spread of poison throughout the body.

What to do after a bumblebee bite?

First, you should remember a few facts about these insects:

  1. Only a female bumblebee can sting.
  2. The sting is different from a bee sting - it does not have serrations and therefore does not remain in the skin.
  3. During the bite, a microscopic dose of poison consisting of proteins is injected.
  4. Allergy to bumblebee toxins is extremely rare (about 1% of cases) and only after repeated stings.

It is worth noting that after a bite, any person develops a local reaction in the form of swelling, pain, itching and skin irritation. The listed symptoms may persist for 1-10 days, depending on the location of the wound. The reaction to stinging on sensitive areas of the skin, especially near the eyes, lasts the longest.

Here's what to do if a bumblebee bites your leg or finger, palm, or other parts of the body:

  1. Disinfect the wound. Any antiseptic solutions are suitable for this - alcohol tinctures, potassium permanganate, vinegar with water, hydrogen peroxide. You can wash the bite area or soak a cotton pad in liquid, then apply it to the injury for a few minutes.
  2. If somehow the bumblebee sting still remains in the skin, pull it out with tweezers. It is important to pre-treat the instrument with an antiseptic or alcohol.
  3. Try to slow down the absorption and spread of poison through the bloodstream. An ice compress works well for this. A piece of refined sugar slightly absorbs toxins.
  4. In case of severe pain and signs of inflammation, take Aspirin.
  5. To reduce swelling and itching, treat the wound with specialized local preparations, for example, Asaron, Fenistil, Psilo-balm.

If a bumblebee stings in a more sensitive area - eyelid, lip, bikini area, armpit, it is also advisable to take a non-steroidal painkiller. Ibuprofen-based products help well in such cases.

What to do if there is a tumor after a bumblebee bite?

As already noted, swelling will appear in any case when an insect stings. This is called a local reaction, which occurs as a result of the injection of poison. Therefore, it is completely normal if an arm or leg is swollen after a bumblebee bite - what to do and what means to use is described in previous section. Such reactions can spread not only to the sting area, but also to neighboring areas of the skin, which is also not considered a pathology.

A more serious situation occurs when the victim was bitten by a bumblebee again, and he became allergic to protein compounds in the insect's venom. The immune response is of 4 types depending on the severity of the lesion:

If any signs of allergy to bumblebee venom occur, it is important to immediately call a team medical care or take the person to the hospital. To alleviate his condition, you can give the victim an antihistamine (Tavegil, Clemastine). Sometimes more potent drugs are required - (Dexamethasone), injection of adrenaline.

Everyone knows that bees sting. But not everyone knows whether a bumblebee bites or not and whether its bite is dangerous for humans. This insect can sting if provoked.

About bumblebees and bumblebee venom

A bumblebee is a sessile-bellied insect from the bee family. There are about 300 types of these insects on the planet. They are not afraid of the cold and can quickly warm up their bodies to 40°C, which gives them the opportunity to be the first to begin collecting nectar in the morning, when it is still cool and the bees are inactive.

Bumblebees are yellow and black in color, often with stripes. There are insects with orange or red stripes, and there are individuals that are simply black.

Large bumblebee nests consist of 150-200 insects. They can choose old stumps, cracks in the ground, abandoned mouse holes as nests, and also build dwellings on sandy cliffs. It is difficult to find a bumblebee nest - the insects hide it well.

The sting of a bumblebee is devoid of serrations and rarely remains in the body of the victim, which is different from the sting of a bee.

Inside, the bumblebee's stinger is hollow, like a needle in a syringe. Through it, during a bite, the insect injects a microscopic portion of poison, causing pain, itching and irritation.

Bumblebee venom is a protein mixture, which is why the insect bite causes an allergic reaction in many people. Bumblebee venom contains serotonin, which lowers blood pressure, which can result in shock.


However, this is strictly personal. Most people survive an insect bite without problems. If a bumblebee bites you for the first time, then most likely there will be no allergic reaction, because the body does not have antibodies to this poison. They often appear with subsequent bites. Typically, an allergic reaction makes itself felt in the first half hour from the moment of the bite and is accompanied by itching, redness and swelling of the entire body, vomiting, nausea or diarrhea, and signs of suffocation may appear.

Later, the above symptoms may be added elevated temperature, convulsions, chills, joint pain, fainting. Such symptoms require immediate hospitalization, otherwise the consequences may be unpredictable.

Simultaneous bites from a large number of insects pose a great danger. A toxic reaction may develop, causing complications in the functioning of the heart and central nervous system.

Wasps, bumblebees and bees pose a particular danger to people with allergies, as well as to pregnant women and young children.

Their potential for an allergic reaction to insect bites increases many times over.


Apply ice to the bite site - this will slow down the spread of poison throughout the body
  1. If the sting remains in the body, you need to pull it out with treated tweezers. There is no need to try to squeeze it out with your fingers, so as not to infect the victim.
  2. The wound should be immediately treated with hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, vinegar, or cotton wool soaked in one of the listed products.
  3. Apply a piece of ice or a cold compress to the bite site, especially if it is around the eyes or other sensitive area. Cold will relieve swelling, reduce pain and slow down the absorption of poison. To extract the poison, you need to apply a piece of sugar moistened with water to the damaged area.
  4. The victim should be given a drink big amount liquids, mainly hot tea with sugar. If the victim does not get better, or symptoms of an allergic reaction appear, then you should immediately call a doctor.

Treatment of insect bites at home

In most cases, a bumblebee bite can be safely treated at home. For example, you can put a fresh leaf of plantain or parsley on the injured area and replace it with a new one every 2 hours.

You can apply a chopped onion, apple, raw potato to the damaged area, or chop 2 cloves of garlic, mix with honey and attach this mixture to the bite. The bandage must be changed twice a day.

Lemon juice and a compress made from it will also help.


You can also dilute with water until a slurry forms. baking soda and apply to the affected area or prepare a solution of soda (1 teaspoon per glass of water), soak cotton wool in it and apply for a quarter of an hour.

Grind the activated carbon, add water until a paste forms, place it on the bite site and cover with film to prevent rapid drying.

If not activated carbon, apply validol moistened with water to the damaged area. You can also use medications, for example, Fenistil gel, which successfully relieves irritation. The damage should be lubricated with gel 3 times a day. The medicine begins to act immediately after application. If you are bitten by insects, you should not drink alcohol, as this leads to increased swelling.

Often people unwittingly provoke insects by waving their hands, trying to drive them away. This behavior, as well as the smell of perfume, alcohol, fried meat only attract and irritate bumblebees.


When should you go to the hospital?

  1. If several bumblebees or bees were bitten at the same time.
  2. When a child or elderly person is injured.
  3. If the bite occurred in the eyeball or mucous membrane of the mouth.
  4. When previous insect bites caused an allergic reaction.
  5. There are symptoms of infection: severe chills, swelling, pain, the bite site becomes purulent.

When a bumblebee bites, it is less painful than a bee or wasp sting because its venom is not as dangerous as that of a bee or wasp. In addition, a wasp can bite several times.


Conclusion on the topic

Knowing that bumblebees bite, do not provoke these insects. Try to avoid the places where their nests are located. Where bees, bumblebees or wasps are present in large numbers, it is undesirable to eat sweets, watermelons, melons, and drink sweet drinks.

Although bumblebees bite, there is no need to destroy them, because they pollinate plants well, and their honey contains protein, sucrose, many minerals and is very healthy.

The widespread belief that bumblebees cannot sting is a misconception: working individuals (females) have a small sting at the end of their body, which serves as a means of defense. Honey-bearing insects are very peaceful, and use their stinging apparatus only when safe, so a bumblebee bite is a fairly rare occurrence.

During a bite, insects inject poison into the human skin, which brings discomfort and pain.

Bite symptoms

Bumblebees sting a little stronger than bees and wasps, but weaker than hornets. The body's reaction to an insect attack is instant pain, accompanied by swelling, lump formation, irritation and redness. Symptoms usually disappear within 1-7 days. If the victim is bitten in the eye socket, eyelid, or oral mucosa, swelling may last up to one week.

In isolated cases, the wound can cause allergies. It usually appears during a secondary sting, when the victim’s body already has antibodies to the hymenoptera venom. The first signs of allergy appear after ½ hour. It has the following symptoms:

  • itching, redness, swelling of the whole body;
  • dizziness, gag reflex, diarrhea;
  • lack of air, suffocating symptoms;
  • rapid pulse;
  • chills, heat, joint pain;
  • convulsions, loss of consciousness (in severe cases).

Attention! Anaphylactic shock and loss of consciousness require immediate hospitalization!

The reaction to a sting depends on the person’s immunity and the characteristics of the body. The most unsafe are multiple bites or several bites occurring over a short period of time. They develop toxic poisoning, which subsequently negatively affects the cardiovascular system. Signs of toxic effects: headache, lethargy, fever, nausea.

The greatest danger from insect bites is for children, pregnant women, and allergy sufferers.

Allergy to insect bites

How to get rid of the consequences of a sting

The main thing to do if you are bitten by a bumblebee is to minimize the consequences. To do this, follow the recommendations:

  1. If the sting remains in the skin, carefully remove it with sterile instruments (tweezers, forceps). Do not squeeze!
  2. Wipe the damaged area with an antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate solution, vinegar or alcohol diluted with water).
  3. Apply something cold, especially if the bumblebee bite was on a sensitive part (cold will help relieve swelling and prevent the spread of the poison)
  4. You can draw out the toxic substance using sugar or refined sugar soaked in water.
  5. After a bite, drink more fluids (especially warm, strong, sweet tea).
  6. For people with allergies, take an antihistamine.

Note! If the available means do not help, and the victim’s condition only worsens, you should immediately go to the hospital!

Folk remedies for bumblebee bites

Helps heal a wound quickly ethnoscience. Effective recipes:

Localization of the bite and its treatment

The most common places for bites are the hand (when a person brushes it off) and the leg (if a person accidentally steps on an insect nest). If the victim does not have allergies, the effects of the sting will go away quickly. They can be cured with folk remedies.

The most dangerous places bites: head and neck area (a bite can cause swelling of the airways), lips and tongue (severe pain and swelling), face and eyes. In these cases, you should immediately consult a doctor.

If a bumblebee bite occurs on the face and eyes, first aid can be provided before doctors arrive:

  • Rinse the eye with strong cool tea or apply a tea bag. This will relieve swelling and have a calming effect;
  • apply a potato compress: chop 1 fresh potato on a fine grater and apply it to the eyelid using a cotton pad;
  • make a lotion from a decoction of oak bark and herbs: 1 tsp. oak bark, St. John's wort and mint pour 200 ml boiled water. Wipe the affected area of ​​the face with the composition;
  • prepare a solution for swelling: 1 tbsp. l. table salt pour 1 glass of cool purified water. Soak a cotton pad in the solution and apply to the bite site;
  • drink an anti-inflammatory drink: grind 50 gr. parsley root, pour 500 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 20 minutes, take orally.

What is forbidden to do if stung?

In order not to aggravate the consequences of the bite, it is strictly prohibited:

  • drink alcohol (increase swelling);
  • slam, try to crush the offender (the substance secreted by the bumblebee will attract other individuals);
  • Scratch, rub the damaged area (the poison will spread faster);
  • touch with dirty hands and equipment (you can get an infection that will lead to blood poisoning);
  • take sleeping pills (will enhance the effect of the poison).

Important! Under no circumstances should you try to open the wound and draw out the poison! This can lead to infection.

A person can quickly get rid of symptoms in a short time at home. The exception is cases multiple bites, severe allergic reaction, symptoms of infection (chills, dizziness, pus from the wound), if an elderly person, child or pregnant woman was bitten. Here you need to consult a doctor.

Why is a bumblebee bite dangerous?

Bumblebees have special glands that produce and store poison. Nearby muscles pump venom into the sting if necessary.

Bumblebee venom contains various microelements: proteins, fats, amino acids, peptides, aliphatic compounds. These substances cause severe pain, redness and itching.

How to avoid being bitten?

The bumblebee stings only when provoked. While collecting nectar, a bumblebee will not sting even a nearby person. To protect yourself from attacks by stinging insects, it is recommended to know the following points:

  1. The bumblebee will not start an attack for no apparent reason, so you should not touch it, make sudden movements, or wave your arms.
  2. Entering an apiary or beekeeping area without special clothing is a stupid idea.
  3. There is no need to have picnics in a place where there is a special concentration of wasps, bees, and bumblebees.
  4. Secure your home from uninvited guests possible with the help of mosquito nets.
  5. Be more careful when walking in a park or meadow, be careful with sweets in places where there are large concentrations of bumblebees.
  6. Tight clothing reduces the likelihood of being bitten.
  7. Blue color irritates insects.
  8. Bumblebees do not like strong odors (oils, perfumes, alcohol, sweat).
  9. Do not touch bumblebee nests.
  10. Insects hate the smell of oxidized metal (this aroma occurs when the skin rubs against metal accessories: rings, bracelets, straps, etc.)

Where to meet and how to recognize?

Questions like “Do bumblebees bite?” and “what does a bumblebee look like?” usually characteristic of urban residents who have rarely encountered this type of insect.

First hallmark bumblebee - long hairs. The bumblebee is large, fluffy, stocky, with thick legs. Color: alternating black and white wide stripes. At the end of the body there is white fluff and an almost invisible sting. Distinctive feature males - mustache and bass buzzing.

Bumblebees fly slowly and heavily. The flight is accompanied by a low hum. Despite their gregarious lifestyle, bumblebees fly alone in search of food, usually in the early morning.

Bumblebees build nests in burrows of small animals, bird nests, and hollows. Large gathering places: gardens, meadows, parks - anywhere where you can enjoy nectar, especially during the flowering period.

The bumblebee is a useful and safe insect if not provoked!

What to do if stung by an insect

Bumblebees, by their nature, are very beautiful insects, and when you see this “fluffy ball” you just want to touch it. They are hard workers and pollinate plants, not paying any attention to people. But there are cases, due to sudden movements or inattention, as a result of which the worker’s peace is disturbed when a bumblebee bites. This behavior is typical only for females of this insect species. Despite similar features to the honey bee, bumblebees do not die after being bitten, because they have smooth and even stings that do not remain in the skin. What to expect from a bite and what you need to do to avoid unpleasant consequences. This is the question that interests everyone who is faced with a similar problem.

What happens after a bumblebee bite

The reaction to a bite can be completely different:

  1. A toxic reaction is the result of not one bumblebee bite in a short time, but several at once. As a result, a disruption in the heartbeat rhythm and difficulty breathing may occur.
  2. With a local reaction (non-allergic), the affected area swells. In this case, the bite site may turn red and itch. Such a reaction may not occur immediately, but after several hours. Symptoms usually last from 2 hours to several days. Often, signs of a bite spread to surrounding tissues, occupying an area several times larger.
  3. An allergic reaction (general) often occurs after only a few bites. Only in 1% does it occur after a relapse. Its duration can be several minutes or half an hour. In turn, it is divided into several levels: red swellings are observed throughout the body; diarrhea, nausea, and subsequently vomiting are added to the previous symptoms; includes previous symptoms along with difficulty breathing and suffocation; all of the above symptoms are combined with fainting, anaphylactic shock and rapid heartbeat.
  4. Hyperventilation occurs as a result of fright from the bite. May be accompanied by a level 4 allergic reaction.

Help for a victim of a bumblebee sting

If there is a sting left under the skin, it must be removed. To do this, it is best to use disinfected tweezers. You should not squeeze out the sting, as this may lead to the development of an infection. The affected area should be generously wiped with hydrogen peroxide, medical alcohol or concentrated vinegar. For greater effect, it is best to apply a compress. At the same time, it is recommended to apply a cold compress to the bite. This helps relieve swelling and pain, and at the same time stops the process of poison absorption. You can draw out the poison by applying moistened refined sugar after the procedures.

For people with allergies, it is recommended to take an antihistamine and, of course, drink plenty of fluids. Hot tea with sugar is best for these purposes. If the above measures do not have the desired effect, a visit to the doctor is simply necessary. In addition, you must contact a medical institution:

  • if a large number of bites are received;
  • with damage to the mucous membrane;
  • if there are symptoms chronic diseases;
  • if there are symptoms of infection;
  • if the bite was on the throat or mouth;
  • for allergies.

If an allergic reaction of level 3 or 4 is observed, then first you need to inject adrenaline intramuscularly to constrict blood vessels, stimulate the heart and facilitate breathing. A toxic reaction is also a reason to seek help from a medical facility.

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