Allergies Immediate hypersensitivity –Excessive IgE production in response to allergens (antigens)

Allergic Reaction –B cells secretes allergen specific Ig –Helper T release cytokines which tell B cells to make IgE –B cell switches from IgG to IgE –IgE binds to mast cells and basophils –Next exposure triggers these cells to secrete histamine, prostaglandins, etc.

Allergic Reaction Common Allergens –Foods –Insect venom –Molds –Animal dander –Pollen

‘Bee’ Sting ResponsesBee CategoryNormalAllergicToxic Characteristics In area of wheal: Pain Inflammation Redness Swelling Itching All over body: Itching; hives Swelling Wheezing Breathing difficulty Dizziness Due to multiple stings -too much venom Treatment Cold pack Antihistamine ointment Sympathy Oral antihistamine Ice pack Epi-pen Watch and base on symptoms for up to 5 hrs

‘Bee’ Sting Response After your first bee sting reaction, future bee stings double and triple in severity. –True –False

‘Bee’ Sting Response After your first bee sting reaction, future bee stings double and triple in severity. –False – Most studies show that repeated stings appear to have a lesser reaction.

‘Bee’ Sting Response Elderly individuals are more susceptible to severe reactions. –True –False

‘Bee’ Sting Response Elderly individuals are more susceptible to severe reactions. –False – As you age, your histamine production declines.

‘Bee’ Sting Response Bees can see and sting in the dark. –True –False

‘Bee’ Sting Response Bees can see and sting in the dark. –Neither. Bees can’t see in the dark but they can STILL sting!

‘Bee’ Sting Response Severe anaphylactic reactions usually occur in the first 5-10 minutes.. –True –False

‘Bee’ Sting Response Severe anaphylactic reactions usually occur in the first 5-10 minutes.. –False – minutes is the average. Reactions may occur up to 5 hours later but 60% occur in the first hour. –Source of quiz:

‘Bee’ Sting Response If you are allergic to bee stings, then you are automatically allergic to wasp stings. –True –False

‘Bee’ Sting Response If you are allergic to bee stings, then you are automatically allergic to wasp stings. –False – Bee venom and wasp venom differ. You can be allergic to either but only a small % are allergic to both. Source:

Bibliography Buchmann, Dr. Stephen “What’s Buzzin in my Garden.’ Caron, Dewey M Honey Bee Biology and beekeeping. Wicwas Press, LLC. Raven, Peter H., et al Biology, 8 th ed. McGraw Hill Higher Education. New York, N.Y. Survive Outdoors, Inc Bee stings. Vetter, R.S Misconceptions about Yellowjackets.