A wasp sting in the mouth or throat is an emergency. Rufen Sie in Österreich sofort die Rettung unter 144. Even without a known allergy, the mucous membrane can swell quickly and narrow the airways. Do not wait to see whether the symptoms go away on their own.
The first five steps
- Dial emergency number 144: Say immediately at the start "Insect sting in the mouth or throat". Give the exact location, the number of people affected, and current symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath.
- Do not leave the affected person alone: Calm them and avoid exertion. Follow the instructions of the emergency dispatch center.
- Ease breathing: If there are breathing problems, an upright position usually helps. Loosen tight clothing around the neck. If the person becomes unconscious and is not breathing normally, begin resuscitation according to the dispatcher's instructions.
- Cool externally: Place a cold pack wrapped in cloth on the neck or cheek. Do not suck out, squeeze, or cut the sting site. Home remedies do not replace calling emergency services or medical care.
- Use allergy emergency kit: If an insect venom allergy is known, assist with using the prescribed medications and the adrenaline auto-injector exactly as trained. Inform the dispatch center of this.
Which warning signs are especially serious?
A sting in the mouth or throat requires prompt medical help regardless of other symptoms. Additional symptoms may indicate a severe allergic reaction.
| Observation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Sting in the mouth, tongue, or throat; hoarseness or difficulty swallowing | Call 144 immediately and monitor the person. |
| Hives away from the sting site, facial swelling, nausea, dizziness, or severe weakness | Possible systemic allergic reaction: call 144 immediately. |
| Shortness of breath, circulatory problems, collapse, or loss of consciousness | Acute life-threatening situation: call 144, follow instructions and check breathing. |
| Only pain and a small swelling after a sting on the arm or leg | Cool and observe the sting site; seek medical help if symptoms worsen or become systemic. |
What about a visible stinger?
Wasps usually do not lose their stinger; bees can leave it embedded in the skin. A clearly visible stinger in a safely accessible location can be removed carefully. Do not search blindly for one in the mouth or throat and do not let this delay the emergency call under any circumstances.
Avoid stings while eating
- Cover drinks outdoors and check them before each sip.
- Do not drink directly from cans or opaque bottles.
- Remove food scraps and sweet drinks quickly.
- Wipe children's hands and mouths after eating.
- Do not swat or blow on wasps; keep your distance.
You can find more practical measures in the guide Avoiding wasps at the dining table and balcony. An overview is also useful for home preparation First aid for injuries in the family.
Sources
- Austrian Health Portal: What to do for a wasp sting?
- Austrian Health Portal: Poisoning by venomous animals
- Austrian Health Portal: Insect venom allergy
Note: This article does not replace a medical assessment. For a sting in the mouth or throat, or for shortness of breath or signs of a severe allergy in Austria: call 144 immediately.
