WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
If you are allergic to insects, a sting can produce
uncomfortable or even life-threatening symptoms. In susceptible
people, a sting causes the body to produce a flood of
histamine, a chemical that may cause swelling, itching, and
rash. In a severe reaction, you may even have trouble
breathing.
Signs/Symptoms
A typical allergic reaction
includes a red lump, pain, swelling, itching, and a rash. You
may also run a fever, develop a headache, feel dizzy, or faint.
Some people develop an upset stomach and throw up. Really
dangerous symptoms include tightness in your chest or throat,
and trouble breathing.
Care
If you experience chest pain, a
tight throat, or trouble breathing and do not have emergency
medicine,
get to the hospital right away. People with a
severe allergy to insect bites are usually prescribed an
emergency kit containing epinephrine (eh-pih-NEF-rin). A shot
of this drug is needed as soon as the bite occurs.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
-
If you are allergic to bug
bites and stings, carry a card, or wear a medical necklace
or bracelet identifying your allergy. The card or tag
should list your name, your doctor's name and phone number,
and type of allergy you have. Also be sure to carry an
emergency kit with you at all times and make certain that
both you and your family know how to use it.
-
If you are stung:
-
Stay calm. Get medical help
immediately. If you can't reach your doctor,
call 0 (operator) or 911, or go to the nearest
emergency room.
-
Take the insect's stinger
out by scraping it off with your fingernail or a knife
blade. Do not squeeze it. Apply a paste of meat
tenderizer and water to the bite while seeking medical
care.
-
If you have a
self-treatment kit, inject the epinephrine immediately,
without waiting for symptoms to start. Then see your
doctor to make sure the danger has passed.
-
To keep from getting
stung:
-
If you are caught in or
near a swarm of bees or wasps, move away slowly. Don't
swat at them. Never strike, stir up, or throw anything at
a wasp nest or beehive.
-
Stay away from places that
may attract stinging insects. Yellow jackets nest in the
ground and hornets in trees and bushes. Every type of
stinging insect is attracted to flowers. Bees are more
likely to sting in gloomy weather than on bright sunny
days.
-
Stay away from wood piles.
Be very careful when gardening or mowing the lawn. Also
take precautions in picnic areas, orchards, beaches, and
other places where there are exposed foods, fragrances,
and bright colors.
-
Use insect repellent on
skin and clothing when you are outside.
-
Do not wear hair sprays,
aftershave lotions, perfumes, suntan lotions, and other
scented cosmetics when outdoors. Floral odors are
especially attractive to bees and wasps.
-
Do not wear floppy,
bright-colored, or flower-print clothing
outdoors.
-
Protect yourself outdoors
by wearing long sleeves, slacks, shoes, and socks. Wear
gloves when gardening or doing other outdoor
chores.
-
Check window screens for
openings where insects can get in. Look around outside
your home for insect nests. Keep your car windows closed
when driving.
-
Keep an insecticide spray
that kills stinging insects handy at home, in your car,
and whenever you are outdoors.
-
Never drink from a bottle
or can that might have a hidden insect inside. Check
objects for insects before touching, sitting, or brushing
against them.
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
You have been bitten or stung
and your skin is swelling, itching, and has a rash; but you
are
not having trouble breathing.
-
You have taken a shot of
epinephrine after being bitten or stung, even if symptoms
fail to appear.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You are having trouble
breathing, feel chest pain, or have a tight throat, even if
you have taken a shot of epinephrine.
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. Call
911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital
or clinic.
Do not drive yourself!
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