How dangerous are wasp stings? Kuya Kim answers

A young man named Anjelo Pascua from Misamis Occidental got a swollen and painful lip after inadvertently disturbing a wasp nest while harvesting coconuts.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, wasps become aggressive, especially when their nest is disturbed, with female wasps' stings primarily used as a defense mechanism.

The intense pain caused by a wasp sting is due to the venom they possess.

"Sa bees, 'pag nag-sting sila, naiiwan 'yung tusok and one time lang sila nagsi-sting. Unlike sa wasp, hindi nakaalis 'yon, so puwede silang ulit ng pagtusok," said entomologist Daryl Hernandez.

"In terms of kamandag ng kanilang sting, para 'yan sa mga kalaban. 'Yung pwedeng mangyari sa tao, ang effect niyan [ay] 'yung pamamaga, makati, masakit, and after a while nawawala na rin naman," he said.

Individual reactions to wasp stings can differ greatly.

Some people only experience mild symptoms such as localized pain, redness, and swelling, while others may suffer severe reactions or even anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that necessitates immediate emergency medical treatment.

If you are stung by a wasp, apply ice to the affected area to help reduce pain and swelling.

For severe swelling and itching, taking an antihistamine can be beneficial. A pain reliever can also be used to alleviate the throbbing sensation.

If symptoms of anaphylaxis are experienced, such as difficulty breathing and tightness in your throat, it is crucial to seek medical help right away. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News