When your child gets stung by a bee, you may not have immediate concern beyond grabbing some ice and soothing your child. However, not every bee sting reaction in children is mild. For some kids, a bee sting can lead to symptoms that signal a more serious allergic response, and spotting the difference is vital.
Board-certified pediatricians Kalpana Kumari, MD, FAAP, and Himabindu Kasivajjula, MD, FAAP, lead the team at Rise & Shine Pediatrics, which is dedicated to providing exceptional care to families in and around South Plainfield, New Jersey.
Our team helps families navigate everything from common childhood illnesses to more urgent concerns like pediatric allergies. Under the guidance of Dr. Kumari, we offer personalized care with same-day appointments and round-the-clock access, so you’re never left second-guessing what to do. Here’s what parents should know about recognizing the signs of a potential bee allergy.
A typical bee sting causes sharp pain, redness, and swelling right at the sting site. That discomfort usually peaks within a few hours and improves with simple home care. In some cases, the area may stay swollen or itchy for a couple of days, but it doesn’t spread or worsen.
Instead of having a typical reaction, around 3% of children will experience an allergic reaction from bee stings.
When a child is allergic to bee venom, the body reacts more aggressively than it should. These symptoms often appear within minutes but can also show up hours later. Here’s what to look out for.
Localized swelling is normal, but take action to get immediate care if it extends beyond the sting site, especially to the face, lips, or throat. This may be the first sign of a moderate-to-severe allergic response.
A single red bump is one thing, but if your child develops hives or itching on other parts of the body, it could signal an allergic reaction. This response means the immune system is responding more intensely and releasing chemicals linked to allergy.
One of the most serious signs of an allergy is airway involvement. If your child starts coughing, wheezing, or complaining of chest tightness, seek emergency care right away.
Vomiting or abdominal cramps may not seem connected to a bee sting. However, these symptoms can be signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that needs immediate treatment.
Low blood pressure can follow a systemic allergic response. If your child feels dizzy, weak, or lightheaded minutes after a sting, that points to a serious reaction. Get them lying down with their feet elevated and call emergency services.
If your child shows any of these signs, don’t wait to act. Use an epinephrine auto-injector if one has been prescribed, and call 911. Even if symptoms improve, emergency evaluation is still necessary to monitor for delayed reactions.
If your child has had a serious reaction or you’re concerned about it, follow up with our team. We may recommend allergy testing or prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector.
Bee venom immunotherapy can reduce your child’s sensitivity to bee stings and prevent future severe reactions. Bee venom immunotherapy provides 99% protection against bee sting reactions.
Our team can help you put together a clear action plan for bee stings so you’re never caught off guard. If you suspect your child may have a bee allergy or want to create a proactive safety plan, contact us to schedule an appointment at Rise & Shine Pediatrics. With support from our team, your child can explore the outdoors with confidence.
