When should you call 911 after a bee or hornet sting?

When should you call 911 after a bee or hornet sting?

• A. Only if pain is severe.
• B. If swelling occurs after 24 hours.
• C. If there is difficulty breathing or signs of anaphylaxis.
• D. Only if the stinger is not removed.

Answer: (C)

The crucial idea is recognizing a potential anaphylactic reaction after a bee or hornet sting and knowing to call 911 immediately if there are signs that breathing could be compromised. A severe allergic reaction can develop quickly and become life-threatening, so prompt professional help is essential. Look for symptoms such as trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, wheezing, widespread hives, dizziness or fainting, and a feeling of the throat closing or dizziness from low blood pressure. If any of these appear, or if the person has a known severe allergy, call emergency services right away and use an epinephrine auto-injector if one is prescribed, then seek professional care. Other scenarios like pain-only, swelling that appears after a day or more, or a stinger that wasn’t removed do not by themselves require immediate 911 arrival unless they develop symptoms of a serious reaction.

The crucial idea is recognizing a potential anaphylactic reaction after a bee or hornet sting and knowing to call 911 immediately if there are signs that breathing could be compromised. A severe allergic reaction can develop quickly and become life-threatening, so prompt professional help is essential. Look for symptoms such as trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, wheezing, widespread hives, dizziness or fainting, and a feeling of the throat closing or dizziness from low blood pressure. If any of these appear, or if the person has a known severe allergy, call emergency services right away and use an epinephrine auto-injector if one is prescribed, then seek professional care. Other scenarios like pain-only, swelling that appears after a day or more, or a stinger that wasn’t removed do not by themselves require immediate 911 arrival unless they develop symptoms of a serious reaction.