Am I having a delayed reaction to a bee sting?

Bee sting allergic reaction?

• I got stung today by a bee at work. I didn't get a good look at the bee. All I saw was black and yellow before I slung it off my arm. Now I got home and it's really swollen, and I have a slight headache. And my girlfriend handed me some change for a bucket and I squeezed the change with that hand and it was difficult to squeeze. The bee might have been a hornet, and I'm highly allergic to them. Are these symptoms of an allergic reaction?

• Answer:

  Yes, but they are also symptoms of a bee, wasp or hornet sting. You may have had an allergic reaction, but it also normal for a sting to cause some swelling in people who aren’t allergic. People can have different degrees of allergic reactions, form mild swelling to serious anaphylactic shock. If you had an anaphylactic reaction you would know immediately, because you would have trouble breathing. If your sting continues to swell for days, goes blue/purple, itches and burns, you are probably allergic. If you’re not allergic the pain and swelling should subside in a couple of hours or a day, if you are allergic you will probably still be swollen and bruised for a one or two weeks. Swelling on your arms is not life threatening and will go down eventually, taking antihistamines can help, keep the arm elevated and use a cold pack to reduce discomfort. Be aware it could be more serious if you ever get stung on the neck or in the mouth – then you should seek medical attention immediately.