Allergic To Bee Stings? Be Prepared

Bee stings are more likely in summer than any other time of year. For most people, they just hurt. For others, they can cause a chain reaction of allergic symptoms that can lead to death.

Vivek Fellner loves the outdoors, but he is always on the lookout for bees, wasps and hornets.

"I've learned to respect them," he said. "I never thought about being allergic to bees until four years ago."

While mowing the lawn, Fellner disturbed an underground nest and was stung 50 times. He had swelling and broke out in itchy hives.

An epinephrine injection helped, but his allergy worsened. Two weeks later, the sting of just one bee nearly killed him.

"The doctor treated me, and they said, 'You just had about 5 minutes.' So it was really close," he said.

In case Fellner is stung, he carries an Epipen so he can give himself a pre-measured epinephrine dose. He is also receiving immunotherapy as a further precaution.

A study published in last week's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that for people who have insect allergies that last past childhood, allergy shots could help.

"What he is getting is actually injections of the venom that he is allergic to," said Dr. Alan Aarons, of Carolina Asthma and Allergy. "By gradually increasing the dose in venom, it is making him less allergic."

"This treatment definitely makes me more comfortable," Vellner said.

Most people who have reactions to bee stings have been stung before and never showed allergic symptoms. So many people could be allergic and never know it.

If you or someone else is stung and you notice unusual swelling, hives or difficulty breathing, it is important to get emergency help right away, then visit an allergist.

The culprits responsible for most insect reactions include honeybees, bumblebees, yellow jackets, yellow hornets, white-faced hornets, paper wasps and fire ants.

Safety Tips: Bites And Stings