Question

a) What happens during a bee sting? What is its remedy?
b) What happens during a wasp sting? What is its remedy?

Answer 1

Honeybees are the only types of bees which die after they sting unlike wasps who can sting more than once. The bee leaves behind a venomous toxin which is known to cause pain and other symptoms. $\left( {OTC} \right)$ pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can manage pain associated with wasp stings. Nausea and vomiting can also occur.

Complete step-by-step answer:
a) Bee stings as nuisance as they are irritants present in the same. It is a temporary sharp pain experience followed by redness and swelling. However no serious complications can be seen. But if you are allergic then it may be life threatening. When it stings, its stinger gets released into our skin and this ultimately kills the honeybee. Mild allergic reactions may cause extreme redness and increased swelling at the sting site. The allergic reactions may lead to diarrhoea, nausea, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, severe itching and dizziness. Home remedies include using various things to help aid the sting.
These include:
i) Honey- helps with pain and itching by applying it in a small amount on the area affected.
ii) Baking soda- a paste of baking soda and water can help neutralize bee venom and reduce itching.
iii) Apple cider vinegar- vinegar is known to neutralize a bee venom.
iv) A popular home remedy for reducing the pain and swelling of a bee sting is to apply a wet aspirin or aspirin paste to the sting site.
v) Lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory abilities and can help relieve swelling. Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, such a coconut or olive oil.

b) Wasp stings are more common and they can be uncomfortable, but most people recover quickly and without complications. Wasps have a stinger with them for self-defence. Wasp’s stinger has venomous fluid which can be transmitted to humans. When we talk about its symptoms, the initial sensations can include sharp pain or burning at the sting site. Redness, swelling, and itching can occur as well.
Large local reactions to wasp stings also occur which include extreme redness and swelling which is known to increase for two or three days after the sting.

Doctors when receiving a patient with similar suffering may direct you to take an over-the-counter $\left( {OTC} \right)$antihistamine medication (such as Benadryl) to reduce your discomfort.

When we talk about remedies, there is often seen the use of hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion if itching or skin irritation becomes bothersome. Baking soda and colloidal oatmeal are soothing to the skin and can be used during a bath or through medicated skin creams.

Note: In rare cases, wasp stings can contribute to complications involving the nervous system. It has been seen that unusual cases in which a paediatric patient experienced muscle weakness, pupil dilation, and motor aphasia following a wasp sting. If these reactions occur, people must consult the doctor as they might be experiencing anaphylactic shock.