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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
"C. Crowell" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 24 May 1999 11:28:36 -0400
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It often seems that some people are confused as to what constitutes an
"allergic" reaction to bee stings.  Some people experience swelling
following a sting, others do not.  Some find that the swelling is not as
great if they have been "sensitized" by previous stings.  Everyone is
capable of widely different reactions, each of which could conceivably be
characterized as "allergic" reactions.
  For most people who are candidates for carrying an "epi-pen", the
difference is usually this: they experience severe swelling which is capable
of compromising their airway.  If that swelling is untreated, they would
suffocate, possibly within a few minutes.  The epineprhine administered by
the pen is capable of preventing that.
  It is entirely possible that in the spectrum of people with extreme
reactions to bee venom there are some whose reactions are so severe that the
compromising of the airway is not the primary threat, however that is the
primary threat for most, according to the literature I read.
  Keep in mind that use of the epi-pen does not preclude a trip to an
emergency room!  Those with severe enough reactions to bee venom should
consider the use of the pen, which must be prescribed, as a form of
"advanced first aid" to be followed up by a doctor's examination.
  Last year in New Jersey EMT's were given authorization to administer
epi-pens to patients carrying them provided the patient's name is on the
device.The pen itself resembles a felt tip marker, with a protected needle
on one end.  You remove the protective covering, press the needle side
against the patient's thigh and push.  The medication is under pressure and
is released and injected automatically.

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