Insect bites and stings
When insects bite, they inject venom or other harmful substances into the skin. These substances, after getting injected into our body, show the signs and symptoms on us. The venom injected by the insect’s causes allergy and its severity depends upon how sensitively our body reacts to it.
Normally, most of the insect-bite reactions are mild. What all one feels is an irritating itching sensation and swelling. These reactions generally get disappeared in a day or two. But, sometimes, the reactions are delayed. They include swelling of glands, joint paints and also fever. But there are people who develop very severe reactions (anaphylaxis) when the insect injects venom.
The symptoms for these reactions are:
- Swelling on face
- Breathing problems
- Pain in abdomen
- Mental and physical shock
There are insects whose bites are very poisonous and troublesome. Examples are fire ants, yellow jackets, wasps, bees and hornets. However, bites from insects like biting flies, some spiders, mosquitoes, ticks, etc. cause very mild reactions.
For bites of mild reactions,
- Avoid biting again and again by the same insect. Move to an area which is free from those insects and safe.
- Remove the sting from your skin with a body which has straight edges.
- In order to reduce the pain, place an ice pack on the affected area.
- 0.5 percent or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda, i.e., mixing 3 spoons of baking soda and 1 spoon of water, can be applied on the affected area. Apply them regularly on the affected area till the symptoms disappear.
- Diphenhydramine containing antihistamine (Tylenol, Benadryl sever allergy) or chlorpheniramine maleate (chlor-Trimeton, Actified) should be taken.
The bites, can sometimes, cause allergy. They include nausea which can be minor and diarrhea, intestinal cramps and larger (more than 2 inches) swellings at the site. For these reactions, visit the doctor for treatment.
For reactions of severe nature,
These reactions can be dangerous and fast. Immediately after observing these reactions, call 911 or emergency medical help. These reactions include:
- Breathing problems
- Throat and lip swelling
- Unconsciousness
- Giddy feeling
- Confusing state
- Increased rate of heartbeat
- Hives
- Vomiting and nausea
It takes time for the medical assistance to reach the affected. During this time, follow these suggestions when you are with the affected.
1. The person might have been carrying medications for allergy treatments. Check for them. These allergic attack medications include epinephrine auto-injector which is called as Epipen. This drug can be administered against the thigh of the person and also holding it for a few seconds.
2. After administering it, have him take antihistamine pill. Do this only if the person can take it without choking.
3. Make the person lie still on back. The feet should be placed higher than the head.
4. The tight clothes of the person should be loosening and he is covered with a blanket. You should not give him anything to drink.
5. Prevent choking by turning him on his or her side in case of Vomiting and bleeding.
6. If there is problem in breathing, start CPR. Read the instructions given for auto-injector of epinephrine before the problem and let your family members also read the same.