Being stung by a bee can cause sharp pain, swelling, and potential toxicity, which could even lead to death if not treated promptly. So, what should you do for first aid when stung by a bee?
First Aid Methods for Bee Stings
The types of bees that typically cause toxicity and danger are wasps, hornets, and some unidentified species in mountainous areas. Those who are stung multiple times may experience cyanosis, shock, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially even death if not treated promptly and correctly. If first aid is administered in a timely and proper manner, many people can survive the dangerous situation.
Bee venom is contained in two venom glands that lead into a stinger at the bee’s rear. The left gland contains alkaline liquid, while the right contains acidic liquid. The main components of bee venom are proteins, enzymes that invade, hemolytic enzymes, cytolytic substances, allergens, and acetylcholine. Depending on the species of bee, the venom may be highly toxic or not toxic at all. Some species, like wasps and certain bees, can be lethal with just a few stings, while others, like honey bees, are nearly harmless.
Identification and Symptoms of Bee Sting Toxicity
Honey Bees
- Sting on the last foot (third leg) swells and carries pollen (pollen basket), leaves the stinger, and nests contain honey.
- The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) builds large nests on high tree branches, rocky cliffs, and hangs down like a water pouch; they are large and very aggressive.
- In Vietnam, there are 5 native species of bees (Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, red wasps, black wasps, and rock bees) as well as imported species. Generally, honey bees are mild-mannered (except for the Asian giant hornet).
Symptoms after being stung:
- Pain and swelling at the sting site.
- Stings in dangerous areas (head, face, neck) can cause difficulty breathing, eye damage + Allergic reactions: itching, redness across the body, difficulty breathing, and shock due to allergies (rapid pulse, weakness, low blood pressure).
Wasps and Hornets
Identification: Wasps (Vespa) build nests on trees, rooftops, columns, etc., with a design resembling wood grain, shaped like a gourd, or large structures with only one entrance. They are aggressive. Hornets (Vespa crabro, ground hornets) build nests underground, often using abandoned termite mounds or soil cavities, which hikers can easily step on. These insects are large, potentially the size of a finger, and very aggressive. Wasps and hornets do not leave their stinger behind and can sting multiple times.
Toxicity: Highly toxic, causing skin damage and leaving wounds and scars on the sting site, toxic to muscles, kidneys, and blood. They can be fatal; large animals can also die from multiple stings.
First Aid for Bee Stings
- Quickly move the victim away from the area where the bees are present.
- Have the victim lie still to limit movement and reduce the spread of venom in the body.
- Gently scrape or use tweezers to remove the bee’s stinger. Absolutely do not use your fingers to pinch it out, as this may rupture the venom sac, causing more venom to spread into the body.
- Wash the sting site with soap and warm water or disinfectant, then apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
- Encourage the victim to drink water to help flush out toxins.
- After first aid, it is crucial to take the victim to the nearest medical facility for timely emergency care, especially if severe symptoms are present.
Being stung in areas like the face, neck, mouth, or throat can cause choking or blindness. Patients may exhibit discomfort with symptoms such as:
- Severe pain and swelling in the areas stung.
- Itching.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Reduced urination.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).
For patients experiencing difficulty breathing: Administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or artificial respiration using available means. Do not self-medicate (whether traditional or modern medicine), and do not attempt to use lime as treatment as it wastes time and may worsen the situation, especially with multiple stings or stings on the face, neck, or mouth.
Some Folk Remedies for Treating Bee Stings
These methods are applied in cases where the stings are not numerous and not too severe:
- Method 1: 30g of chives or 30g of fresh motherwort or fresh arrowroot leaves, or 50-100g of bottle gourd leaves, or 30-50g of white bean leaves or fresh mint leaves, crushed and applied to the sting site to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Method 2: 1 fresh flower (any type), rub it on the sting site to immediately reduce swelling.
- Method 3: 15g of fresh hibiscus leaves, add a little salt, crush, and apply to the sting.
- Method 4: Squeeze a little breast milk (from a nursing mother) and apply it to the sting site to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Method 5: Crushed chrysanthemum leaves, rub onto the sting site 5-7 times a day.
- Method 6: A raw taro root, cut into pieces and rub it on the sting to help reduce pain.
- Method 7: Crushed amaranth leaves rubbed onto the sting site will quickly relieve pain.
- Method 8: Cut a fresh plumeria branch at a 45-degree angle, let the sap dry, and rub it back and forth multiple times on the sting site. The bee venom will come off, and pain and swelling will cease.
Additionally, you can apply a calamine lotion (typically used on burns to soothe pain) or sodium bicarbonate paste on the wound, which neutralizes and absorbs the venom. Cover the wound with a bandage.
Preventing Bee Stings
- Avoid contact with bees unless necessary.
- Do not provoke or tease bees, do not harm them (which will release alarm pheromones that attract more bees), and do not disturb bee nests unless absolutely necessary and safe.
- Do not leave homes, buildings, or rooms unattended (as bees can easily build nests).
- Detect bee nests early and remove them if located in crowded areas, busy thoroughfares, or within homes. It is best to remove nests shortly after they are built (usually in March-April).
- Do not consider bees entering homes or nesting inside as a sign of good fortune.
- When entering forests, avoid wearing bright or colorful clothing. Do not use fragrant perfumes, shampoos, or cosmetics. Avoid going barefoot and wearing overly loose clothing. Wear a hat with a net, gloves, and thick, covered clothing if possible.
- When bees approach, do not run; remain still or sit quietly and do not move (the bees will not see you anymore).
- If attacked by bees, you may use any unpleasant-smelling spray available or smoke to drive them away (do not do this if there is a risk of wildfire).
How to Remove a Bee Nest: Use smoke (do not do this if it poses a fire hazard), or an insecticide spray (like mosquito spray) to drive the bees away. Then use a screen or fine mesh to cover the nest and carefully remove it (to prevent any bees from remaining inside). The person removing the nest should wear thick clothing or rain gear (thick plastic) and a closed hat, and wear gloves.
