Does this sound like a reaction to worry about? Bee stings

[neolara]

Many years ago I was stung on my head by a bee. It was such a long time ago I can't remember all the details, but I remember part of my head and one side of my neck swelled up considerably and stayed swollen for at least a day, possibly much longer. I didn't have any problems breathing.

I hadn't thought about this incident for years until I had a conversation with someone the other day about bee sting allergies . Normally I'm not at all anxious about health issues, but over the last couple of years it's emerged that my ds has an allergy to antibiotics, my dd is allergic to nuts, 2 nephews are also allergic to nuts, 2 cousins have severe allergies and my granny was severely allergic to bee stings. We clearly have an allergy gene! I wondered whether I should maybe get myself tested. Or do you think my reaction to the bee sting would be considered "normal"?

I would be inclined to get tested if I were you. My dd's allergist said that unless you have been stung before you can't be allergic, that a first sting doesn't usually cause a reaction but that subsequent ones can send your system into overdrive as your system has been sensitised! You have been stung and that first reaction was fairly strong so on the theory of our allergist any subsequent stings may be much worse. I would prefer to be prepared and have an Epipen with me in case and the only way you will get this is to get tested. You also have a strong family link to allergies so this would also make me wary. If you can, go private because a GP is likely to fob you off and tell you not to worry! Good luck.