Unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids are hepatotoxic, that is, damaging to the liver. PAs also cause hepatic veno-occlusive disease and liver cancer. PAs are tumorigenic. Disease associated with consumption of PAs is known as pyrrolizidine alkaloidosis.
The venom is what causes the symptoms. The main symptoms are pain, itching, swelling and redness at the sting site. Severe pain or burning at the site lasts 1 to 2 hours. Itching often follows the pain. Swelling. The bee sting may swell for 48 hours after the sting. The swelling can be small or large.
First aid for insect bites and stings. Remove the sting, tick or hairs if still in the skin (see below for advice about how to do this safely). Wash the affected area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress (such as a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes.