Title: Bee Venom and the Chemistry of OUCH! | Bee Culture
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Content: Once a bee stings, your body chemistry begins to change to combat the toxins. Because your immune system considers the unknown proteins of bee venom to be invaders, it makes antibodies. The job of these antibodies is to strengthen the immune system against future attack. Unfortunately, some people develop an overly-sensitive immune response. In about 5% of the population, bee stings are much more than just painful – they’re life threatening. Two out of every 1000 people are at risk of anaphylaxis from bee stings. This inability to breathe can occur within seconds or minutes. Beekeepers who are prone to other allergies have a much greater risk of developing these severe allergic reactions to venom. Most adults without known allergies can tolerate about 10 stings per pound of body weight. In the event of multiple stings, it’s a good idea to see a health care professional.