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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Possible, though uncommon, complications of bee and other insect stings include:

  • Anaphylaxis. A severe allergic reaction is the most dangerous complication of a bee or other insect sting. A rapid fall in blood pressure can lead to loss of consciousness, and can sometimes be fatal. Anaphylaxis requires an emergency shot of epinephrine and a trip to the emergency room.
  • Toxic reaction to multiple stings can be dangerous, especially in children. Because children are smaller than adults, fewer stings can create high levels of venom in the bloodstream. Complications of massive poisoning by venom (envenomation) include heart problems, rapid muscle tissue damage (rhabdomyolysis) and kidney failure.
  • Infection at the site of a sting. As with other cases when the skin is broken, a sting site may become infected. Scratching a sting site can increase your risk of infection.
Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
  1. Freeman T. Bee, yellowjacket, wasp and hymenoptera stings: Reaction types and acute management. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 21, 2010.
  2. Stinging insect allergy: How to avoid the ouch. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/0607/. Accessed Sept. 21, 2010.
  3. Simons FER. Anaphylaxis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2010;125:S161.
  4. Skin emergencies. National Center for Farmworker Health. http://www.ncfh.org/pdfs/BilingualEd/PDF9.pdf. Accessed Sept. 21, 2010.
  5. Insect stings. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec21/ch325/ch325d.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2010.
  6. Tracy JM. Diagnosis of hymenoptera venom allergy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2010.
  7. Breisch NL, et al. Bees, yellowjackets, hornets, and wasps: Avoidance. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2010.
DS01067 Nov. 23, 2010

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