What Do Wasps Release When They Sting?
WouterDuring a wasp sting, your body releases a chemical that wasps can detect. This chemical causes your body to produce epinephrine, which helps your heart beat and raises your blood pressure. It is important to get help immediately if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction.
An allergy to wasp stings is called anaphylaxis. It can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms include a swelling, shortness of breath, confusion, and weakness.
The most common symptom of a wasp sting is a painful, itchy, and red welt. In normal cases, the reaction usually lasts less than a week. Some people may experience a mild reaction after a second or third sting.
If your reaction is more severe, you may experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and shortness of breath. You may also develop a generalized reaction, which can affect other parts of your body. A systemic allergic reaction is rare, but can be fatal.
Some people may experience only mild symptoms after a wasp sting. If this occurs, you can treat the symptoms with antihistamine medications. You can also use hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itching. Alternatively, you can use a tea bag to decrease the swelling. You can also apply colloidal oatmeal as a soothing skin cream. You can also use baking soda or meat tenderizer powder.
If you are allergic to wasp stings, you should carry medicine with you in case you get stung. You can also use a credit card to scrape off the stinger. You can also wash your sting area with soap and water.
