
Information on Allergic Reactions
Insect stings can often be associated with certain types of
allergic reactions. The list of harmful insects usually includes bees, fire
ants, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets. Sometimes a normal reaction to an
insect sting may be mistaken for an allergic reaction and the severity of the
actual allergic reaction usually varies from person to person.
Three different
types of reactions to an insect sting include allergic, localized and normal
reactions. Local reaction involves swelling that affects the areas that are
even beyond the sting site.
Normal reaction can be characterized by swelling,
redness and painful sensations around the affected area. There are numerous
symptoms that can be affiliated with allergic reactions triggered by an insect
sting and they may or may not include difficulty breathing, itching, swollen
face, warmth at the affected area, swollen throat, pimple spots, swollen mouth,
redness, wheezing, painful sensations, difficulty swallowing, unconsciousness,
restlessness, cardiac arrest, anxiety, shock, faster heart rate and a sudden
drop in blood pressure.
Allergic reactions may even be fatal in some cases.
Treatment and Prevention
The first that needs to be done after an insect sting is to
remove the stinger as soon as possible because it contains the harmful venom.
It should be removed with an object that has stiff edges, such as a credit card.
The area needs to be washed with water and soap and an antiseptic medication
needs to be applied topically to the affected area.
It is also recommended to
apply some sort of a soothing ointment such as Calamine lotion or
hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. The affected area then needs to be
covered with a sterile bandage. Swelling can be resolved by applying cold
compresses or ice packs to the affected areas. Itching and hives may be treated
by antihistamine medicaments, while the painful sensations need to be relieved
by using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicament.
Allergic sting reactions
need to be treated by epinephrine which needs to be administered by means of an
injection. Sometimes there is need for intravenous administration of oxygen,
fluids and certain other types of treatment. Insect nests need to be avoided.
It is also wise to wear long-sleeved clothes and avoid wearing bright colors
and perfumes.
One can also carry and epinephrine sting kit because it may save one’s life when a severe allergic reaction occurs. Allergic reactions may be prevented by using one of the numerous different types of allergy shots.
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