First Aid
For most people, a sting means initial pain followed by localised swelling and itching. However, up to 3.3% of the general population may be at risk of systemic hypersensitivity reactions to insect stings. Hypersensitivity reactions range from large localised swelling to sudden death from anaphylaxis.
You can be stung several times and think that you are not allergic, but the next sting may result in anaphylaxis. The body's response is to pump blood to the peripheral parts such as the arms and legs, and in severe cases the result is rather like a heart attack. Studies have show that about 10% of people stung more than once become allergic to wasp venom.
About two people every three years die from wasp or bee stings in New Zealand — this is a similar rate to deaths from lightning strikes. In New Zealand up to 80 children are admitted to hospital each year with systemic reactions to insect stings.
Wasp Sting First Aid Kit
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Your first wasp sting aid kit should include:
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If you've ever had an allergic reaction to an insect sting in the past you should also wear a medic alert bracelet that lets others know you are allergic to insect stings. People who have had severe reactions in the past to bee or wasp stings should ask their doctor about immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is also referred to as hyposensitisation or desensitisation. Treatment of increasing amounts of pure venom is usually administered once a week by subcutaneous injection until the equivalent of two stings can be tolerated. After that the patient must have monthly maintenance injections for at least three years and current data suggest that five years may be more appropriate.
What to do if you or someone with you is stung:
If the symptoms are:
- quick, sharp pain
- swelling
- itching
- redness at the sting site
Treat by:
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Relieving pain — apply a cold compress. Put ice in a cloth, plastic bag or plastic wrap. Don't put ice directly on the skin. Hold the cold compress on the site for 15-20 minutes. |
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Take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Telfast, for the itching and swelling unless you have to avoid this medicine for medical reasons (talk to your pharmacist) or apply an antihistamine cream. If you don't have a commercial antihistamine cream common household products are useful, e.g. for bee stings apply bicarbonate of soda, for wasp stings apply vinegar, and for jellyfish stings, smooth calamine lotion on the affected area. |
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Monitor the patients symptoms. If the patient's condition deteriorates, treat as for a severe allergic reaction. It is better to treat the patient early and maybe unnecessarily than wait until they are in anaphylaxis. |
If pain and swelling persist for a few days, seek medical aid.
If you have been stung in or near the mouth treat by:
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Reducing the swelling — give ice to suck or rinse the mouth with cold water. |
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Take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Telfast, for the itching and swelling unless you have to avoid this medicine for medical reasons (talk to your pharmacist). |
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If swelling continues, and casualty begins to cough or wheeze, treat as a severe allergic reaction. |
Symptoms and signs of severe allergic reaction to a wasp sting:
Early Symptoms
- Generally feeling "strange" or "off"
- Flushed
- Rapid pulse (>100 per minute)
- Fullness in throat
- Tightness in chest
- Cough
Progressing symptoms
- Rash
- Hypotension (low blood pressure), patient feeling faint
- Strider — raspy breathing
- Wheeze
- Abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhoea or vomiting
Late symptoms
- Feelings of impending doom
- Angio-oedema — severe swelling, all over and/or of the face, tongue, lips
- Cardiac arrest
- Airway obstruction
- Respiratory arrest
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction usually happen soon after or within an hour of the sting. These need to be dealt with immediately.
Treat by:
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Keep the sting area lower than the level of the heart |
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Administer emergency care as per instructions in wasp sting first aid kit — it is better to treat the patient early and maybe unnecessarily than wait until they are in anaphylaxis. |
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Monitor patient continually. |
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Seek medical help urgently. |
Disclaimer of Liability for Health-Related Advice
This information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted for any actions taken in reliance on it. Specific advice on medical issues should be sought from a health professional.