Imagine yourself moving outside of your house. All of a sudden, you feel a sharp burning pain in your leg. You quickly realise that you have been stung by a hornet. Your first reaction can be panic, especially when you don’t know how serious the hornet sting is or how to cure it. However, you’re not alone. Many people aren’t sure what to do in this situation. They worry about allergic reactions and their symptoms. How can you identify that it’s a minor sting or something that requires medical intervention? Don’t worry! 

In this blog post, we’ll talk about hornet stings, symptoms, and treatments. So, before you dive into the symptoms of hornet stings, let’s first understand what a hornet is.

What to Know About Hornets

They are stinging insects, which come from the wasp family. Hornets are an inch long and have yellow and black stripes on their bodies. 

Most stings cause mild symptoms, while hornets can trigger severe allergic reactions. In very rare cases, hornet stings can cause death due to an anaphylactic reaction — a life-threatening condition, where blood pressure drops and the airway closes. 

Hornets are found worldwide and they are key towards maintaining the ecological balance of the environment. They tend to build their nests near homes or amidst nature.  They usually sting when they feel threatened and can sting multiple times. 

What are the Symptoms of a Hornet Sting

The average person can tolerate about ten stings per pound of body weight. It means an adult can bear more than 1,000 stings, while 500 stings could be fatal for a child. 

However, a single sting may be fatal for someone who is allergic due to an anaphylactic reaction. But do not be alarmed. Stings by bees, wasps, and hornets are common, and their symptoms are categorised into three stages:

• Common, non-emergency symptoms
• Anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions
• Severe and lingering symptoms

Common, Non-emergency Symptoms of Hornet Stings

You’ll experience symptoms in the area where you were stung. It could last a few hours to a day. The common symptoms are:

Make and infographic with following text

• Redness
• Warmth near the area
• Pain near the area
• Itching
• Bleeding
• Possibility of hives near affected area

These can be treated with basic first aid, such as applying ice or taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

Anaphylaxis and Other Allergic Reactions of Hornet Stings

An allergic reaction to a hornet sting can result in more severe symptoms, such as: anaphylaxis. This occurs because hornet venom contains histamines that trigger allergic responses.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening condition that affects approximately 1.2 to 3.5 percent of individuals. Its symptoms are:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Swelling of the face or throat
• Dizziness
• Rapid pulse and a drop in blood pressure.
• Chest tightness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Anaphylaxis can happen very quickly and can be life-threatening. So, if you’re experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Severe and Lingering Symptoms of Hornet Stings

In some cases, hornet stings can lead to more serious injuries. Its prolonged symptoms are:

• Intense swelling that lasts for several days
• Infections
• Tissue damage

In these conditions, a doctor will perform a medical evaluation and prescribe medications like antibiotics or steroids. You might also experience symptoms that are neither mild nor indicative of anaphylaxis. Be vigilant for symptoms that persist for a day or worsen over time. Additionally, stings near the nasal passages, mouth, and throat can result in severe symptoms.

Let’s understand the difference between hornet and other strings. 

Hornet vs. other stings

What are the Different Types of Treatment for Hornet Stings 

For Mild Cases

In most cases of hornet stings, you may experience pain, redness and slight swelling at the sting area. What you need to do is: 

• Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection
• Apply a cold compress that can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can further ease discomfort. 
• Additionally, topical treatments may be applied to soothe itching and irritation. 
• Most mild symptoms will resolve within a few hours to a day with proper care.

For Prolonged or Severe Symptoms

Symptoms that don’t resolve after a few hours or days may require medical intervention. You may take medication, such as steroids, to reduce inflammation.

Allergic Reactions

Hornet stings that cause an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis need immediate medical attention.

If you have a known allergy to stings and carry an epinephrine pen (EpiPen), use it immediately by injecting it into the thigh.

Anaphylaxis may require emergency treatment such as:

• Intubation to help with breathing.
• Steroids and IV fluids to stabilise the patient.
• Treatment should be started within minutes for the best chance of recovery.
• Call for emergency assistance if someone shows signs of anaphylaxis after a hornet sting.

Conclusion:

A single hornet sting may cause mild symptoms that last for a few hours or up to a day. However, hornets can sting multiple times or in groups, and if you’re allergic to hornet venom, it’s advisable to seek medical care. If you experience trouble breathing, fainting, or other serious symptoms, seek immediate medical help.

FAQ Around Hornet Sting:

How long do hornet stings last?

Hornet sting symptoms typically last for a few hours to a day.

Can hornet stings kill you?

Yes, hornet stings can be fatal, especially for individuals who are allergic and experience anaphylaxis.

How to treat hornet stings?

Clean the sting site, apply a cold compress, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and use antihistamines for itching. Seek medical help for severe reactions.