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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sleepiness After A Sting By The Bee?

Hi. My son was stung by a bee on his earlobe tonight. It s the 3rd time he s been stung. The first time he had no reaction, second time his finger got red and swollen for several days (possibly because sitter accidently squeezed more venom in finger when getting stinger out). Tonight, everything seems okay, but he got drastically sleepy after the sting. Of course, he should be tired today based on missing a nap, but it was such a sudden symptom just thought I d make sure this symptom alone is not problematic. Ear looks slightly swollen, breathing seems okay. Gave him benedryl and ibuprofin and put baking soda mixture on ear.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Thu, 11 Sep 2014 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 12 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thanks for contacting HCM

I am sorry to hear that your son got stung by a bee today. It sounds like you are concerned about the reaction he had from the sting. You treated him with the baking soda and a dose of Benadryl. By taking the Benadryl you help reduce the histamine response from the sting but it will also cause sleepiness. I think that the combination of having the sting with a sudden release of adrenalin and then the dropping off of adrenalin with the Benadryl probably cause him to be sleepier than usual. I do not think you need to be concerned about this reaction.

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What Causes Sleepiness After A Sting By The Bee?

Thanks for contacting HCM I am sorry to hear that your son got stung by a bee today. It sounds like you are concerned about the reaction he had from the sting. You treated him with the baking soda and a dose of Benadryl. By taking the Benadryl you help reduce the histamine response from the sting but it will also cause sleepiness. I think that the combination of having the sting with a sudden release of adrenalin and then the dropping off of adrenalin with the Benadryl probably cause him to be sleepier than usual. I do not think you need to be concerned about this reaction. Hope this answers your question. If you have any further issues please feel free to contact us