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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Stung By A Bee, Numbness, Lack Of Sleep, Tingling Symptoms. Due To Alcohol Consumption?

why does drinking alcohol adversely affect and exacerbate the symptoms of a bee sting? I was drinking alcohol yesterday and got stung by a bee, symptoms were very scary. Numbing, tingling , thick tongue , I couldn t sleep all night, took benadryl . I feel better now, but wonder why alcohol make a bee sting reaction that seemed so scary.
posted on Thu, 13 Sep 2012
Twitter Thu, 29 Aug 2013 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 30 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on
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Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
These symptoms were not related to alcohol. These are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting. In particular your thick tongue. I assume you mean swollen tongue. Taking Benadryl was the correct action as this would have reduced the reaction. Even though someone may have been stung by a bee before and had no adverse effects, subsequent stings can cause an allergic reaction which can be life-threatening.
In your case, you appear to have fully recovered. I would like to suggest you explain your symptoms to your doctor. If I was seeing you, I would consider giving you an Epipen to carry always which is an epinephrine auto-injection syringe. In future, if you get stung by a bee, it would be advisable to use the pen to avoid serious reactions. If you would like any further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
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Stung By A Bee, Numbness, Lack Of Sleep, Tingling Symptoms. Due To Alcohol Consumption?

Hi, These symptoms were not related to alcohol. These are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting. In particular your thick tongue. I assume you mean swollen tongue. Taking Benadryl was the correct action as this would have reduced the reaction. Even though someone may have been stung by a bee before and had no adverse effects, subsequent stings can cause an allergic reaction which can be life-threatening. In your case, you appear to have fully recovered. I would like to suggest you explain your symptoms to your doctor. If I was seeing you, I would consider giving you an Epipen to carry always which is an epinephrine auto-injection syringe. In future, if you get stung by a bee, it would be advisable to use the pen to avoid serious reactions. If you would like any further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB FRCA