How Bad Can Wasp Stings Be?
WouterThose who have been stung by a wasp know that it can be extremely painful. They also worry that they may be suffering from an allergic reaction. However, wasp stings are not dangerous for most people.
The most common symptoms include redness, swelling, and itching. These symptoms should go away on their own within a few days. However, if you experience a severe allergic reaction, you should seek medical attention.
You may also experience nausea, abdominal cramps, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. If these symptoms are severe, you may lose consciousness. If you have an allergic reaction to a wasp sting, you should go to the emergency room. A doctor can treat the symptoms with epinephrine. Alternatively, you can buy an EpiPen and carry it with you.
If you are stung by a wasp, make sure to clean the sting site and apply cold compresses. This will reduce the swelling and pain. Taking ibuprofen can also help to reduce swelling. If you are unable to tolerate the pain, you can apply a skin cream that contains colloidal oatmeal.
Alternatively, you can apply an alkaline solution of baking soda. For this remedy, add about one tablespoon to a pint of water. You can also use meat tenderizer powder, which contains papain.
While you can treat a mild allergic reaction at home, you should seek medical attention if the reaction is severe or occurs after repeated stings. You should also carry an EpiPen with you if you suspect you may be allergic to a wasp sting.
