Thankfully, severe allergy to bees is rare among kids in the United States.
It’s that time of year: baseball, barbecues and bee stings. Dr. Lisa Sammon, pediatric allergist and director of the Akron Children’s Center for Allergy and Immunology shares her expertise about bee sting allergies.
Q: How common are bee sting allergies in kids?
A: Despite much fear surrounding bee stings, severe allergy to bees is quite rare among children in the United States. Bee sting allergy prevalence is around 5% for adults – and speculated to be under 1% for kids. It is much more common to experience pain and/or localized swelling at the sting site.
Q: Is there a way to know if my child is allergic to bee stings before they are stung?
A: Unfortunately, there is no way to know if a child is allergic to bee stings. Furthermore, testing for bee allergy is time consuming, lacks specificity and can result in false positive testing. Venom testing is generally reserved for patients with a history of severe reaction.
Q: If my child has other allergies, will they have a higher likelihood of bee sting allergies?A: Studies show that having a history of environmental, food or medication allergies does not necessarily increase a child’s risk of bee sting allergy.
Q: What are the best ways to treat a “regular” bee sting, not an allergic reaction?
A: Supportive care measures are best. These include applying ice to the sting site and using topical steroids such as hydrocortisone cream and/or antihistamines to reduce swelling and itch. If the sting is painful or uncomfortable for your child, seek medical care.
Dr. Lisa Sammon
Q: What are some signs that my child is having an allergic reaction to a bee sting? When should I seek medical care?
A: Serious symptoms that occur away from the sting site are often a red flag of a severe reaction or anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. These symptoms include:
- Hives that cover a large area of the body.
- Swelling in areas away from the sting such as your child’s mouth or throat.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Feeling faint or the need to pass out.
- Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
It is important to note that most reactions in children are rarely severe – but seek medical care right away if your child has any of the symptoms listed above. If your child is having trouble breathing, go to the nearest emergency room.
Q: What should I do if my child is allergic to bee stings?
A: It is very important to always have access to self-injectable epinephrine or an EPIPEN®. This is the first-line treatment to prevent progression of a severe reaction. If your child has a reaction, follow the guidelines of your action plan and seek immediate medical care.
Long-term treatment options include venom immunotherapy or venom shots. These are given over a period of a few years and can drastically reduce a child’s risk of a serious allergic reaction.
Q: How can I reduce my child’s risk of bee stings?
A: Follow these tips to reduce your family’s risk of bee stings:
- Avoid walking barefoot outdoors because certain stinging insects like yellow jackets nest in the ground.
- Survey the area for nests if you’re doing extensive yard work or mowing because vibration can irritate stinging insects.
- Be careful when consuming food or beverages outdoors, which can attract stinging insects. Stinging insects can also hide in straws or open pop cans.
- Cover your trash cans.
- Never throw objects or liquids on a nest. Instead, contact a reputable pest control professional to have the nest removed.
Q: Where can I find additional information?
A: I have a few more tips in this video.
If your child has a bee sting or other inset bite, get the care they need at Akron Children’s Quick Care or Urgent Care.
