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Are You Really Allergic to Bee Stings?

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Oct 19, 2011
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I learned something today.
by: Anonymous

I have kept bees for a few years now (in France)with the occasional sting on the hand or leg without really any swelling or side effects.

However the last time (about 6 weeks ago) I was stung a few times on my ankle which swelled like a ball for several days. I thought to myself then, "funny how this sting was different - perhaps because it was more than one bee."

Now today, I go out to feed my bees (not in the best weather conditions) and I received a sting right on the tip of my nose. My nose swelled and my entire face to the back of my ears became tight and I had a rash all over my body that itched terribly.

I went to the pharmacy and asked for something - but they sent me immediately to the doctor to receive a shot of cortisone.

I didn't know until today that this condition can be worse each time. They told me to take it seriously - that people can sometimes die quickly without ever knowing what stung them.

[I hate to say this, but I think it may be time to give up beekeeping and get an EpiPen®

I seem to get more resistant to bee stings as the years go by, but I understand that you can become allergic to almost anything at any time. The rash over the rest of your body is the clincher!

I'm prepared to take risks, but I think I might bow out at this point. You've had your warning, and you may not get another one.

The Bee Guy]

Oct 17, 2010
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Info from my Allergist
by: Mary in SC

Everything I read here seems to be right on target with what my allergist has just told me. I intend to be a new bee guardian the Spring of 2011, so am starting my education now. I called the allergist's office at the recommendation of many bee sites, and the nurse said, yes, we will test you for the allergic reaction to 7 common bees in this area.

The day of my appointment the allergist shook his head negatively and said he could make a lot of money, but by definition one in four people will show an allergic reaction, but it does not necessarily mean anaphylactic shock. He did not test me, but I decided to accept the Rx for the EpiPens (two to a box). They are outdated in one year and without insurance would have cost me $200 for the box. That's an ouch!

The doctor also said that people think they build up a resistance to bee stings each time they are stung but it is just the opposite and it is increasing your chances of an allergic reaction each time you are stung. In general, one can at least carry an antihistamine with them for reducing swelling. He explained which ones get into the system quicker -- suggestion: try: Cetirizine which is generic and a non-drowsy type and is quicker than other types per doctor (which I am not). It comes in tablet and pre-filled plastic individual sized doses. I used to carry the tablets but found they deteriorate to powder with heat and time, so I now carry the liquid in the plastic vial with twist-off top. These, too, expire like anything else.

I've been told of episodes around these parts, of people never having any allergic reaction, suddenly being stung by a bee or bitten by an ant and having to be rushed to the hospital because they could not breathe, lips were turning blue, and yes, the swelling will be DIS-contiguous from the bite site for an allergic reaction. So the conclusion is: Don't think it won't happen to you, carry something with you with your beekeeping equipment and stay smart and safe.

[Wow!

Thank you for that Mary. I have been stung many many times and I confess I'm pretty lackadaisical about it. I'm rethinking that position.

The Bee Guy]

Nov 24, 2008
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It makes you think.
by: Anonymous

Wow, that's a sobering thought, if he hadn't been prepared she would have died.

Sometimes people hesitate because we live in such a litigious society in America. Thank goodness they did the right thing and did it quickly.

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