INSECT BITES AND STINGS REACTIONS ALLERGIC REACTION

This is the most serious reaction and requires BEES leave their barbed stinger in the TREATMENT: immediate medical attention. skin along with its stinging apparatus, If the victim has history of allergic reaction and In addition to redness, swelling and itching, some killing the bee. or is bitten in the face, mouth, throat, or if bee or

wasp is swallowed - get medical attention immedi- or all of the following symptoms may occur: WASPS have smooth or less-barbed stingers and ately. Allergic Reaction Symptoms: can sting more than once. They are responsible for  Difficulty breathing almost twice as many allergic reactions as honey-  If stung on the hand, remove any rings from your bees. fingers immediately.  Hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and  Clean wound and remove stinger, if present by spread to areas beyond the sting. ANTS stings cause generalized reac- gently scraping it out with a fingernail or a stiff-  Swelling of the face, throat or mouth tissue tions less often than stings from bees edged object, (i.e. a credit card). Do not pull on the  Wheezing or difficulty swallowing. and wasps. stinger-this will release more venom into the skin.  Restlessness and anxiety  Apply ice or cool packs to the wound site. Fire ants and Harvest ants sting while some spe-  Rapid pulse  Elevate Redness and swelling of the cies of field ants truly bite.  Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pres- extremity to limit bite or sting site may continue

edema. sure. REACTIONS to stings & bites vary from person for up to five (5) days in all  Apply a reactions Although severe allergic reactions are not thc -to-person. There are two types of reactions: local- common, they can lead to shock, cardiac ar rest, soothing oint- ized, & allergic. and unconsciousness in 10 minutes or less. This ment, like a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion LOCALIZED REACTION: type of reaction can occur within minutes after a and cover the area with a dry, sterile bandage. sting and can be fatal. Get emergency treatment Most people will have pain, swelling and redness  To reduce itching, swelling, and hives take an as soon as possible. Call 911 immediately! around the bite or sting site. A large localized re- over-the-counter oral antihistamine - i.e. Benadryl. action may have swelling and redness that extends This medication should not be given to children ALLERGIC REACTION TREATMENT: beyond the sting or bite site.( ex: When stung on under 3 yrs. of age or to pregnant women without IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IS NEEDED the lower leg, the whole leg swells. This may be consulting a physician. An allergic reaction is treated with epinephrine alarming but is generally not serious.) Bleeding  To relieve pain, you may take an over-the- and in some cases intravenous fluids, oxygen and may occur at the site. counter analgesic (aspirin, acetaminophen or ibu- other treatments are also necessary.

profen) according to package directions.. One or more of the following symptoms are the most common reactions to bites and stings: COMPLICATIONS Severe allergic reaction of anaphylaxis may  Pain occur in susceptible patients from exposure Sting sites may become infected. Infection is to other insect-related material, including  Redness more common in fire ant stings because they fre- hone and apiotherapy  Pimple-like spots quently are multiple stings  Mild to moderate swelling  Warmth at the sting site  Itching

BE PREPARED: Avoid Being Stung A severely allergic person should always wear a You can lessen your chances of an insect sting Medic Alert bracelet and keep a self-care kit by taking certain precautionary measures: (Ana-Kit or Epi-Pen) as prescribed by their  Learn to recognize insect nests and avoid healthcare provider, on hand for emergency them. Yellow jackets nest in the ground in INSECT BITES use in the case of severe symptoms. * dirt mounds or old logs and walls. Honey- bees nest in beehives. Hornets and wasps * NOTE: These kits should not be used as a sub- AND stitute for medical intervention; you should still nest in bushes, trees, and on buildings. STINGS see a healthcare provider after being stung. Epi-  Wear shoes and socks when outdoors. nephrine alone is not always enough to reverse  Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks serious allergic sting reactions and may cause and shoes when in country or wooded are- serious side effects in some patients with heart as. conditions or patients who are taking certain med-  Avoid wearing perfumes or brightly col- ications. ored clothing. These tend to attract insects.

 If you have severe allergies, you should Allergic reactions to insect stings can be pre- never be alone when hiking, boating, vented with allergy shots. The treatment is swimming, golfing, or otherwise involved Allergic Reactions to Stings 97% effective in preventing future reactions. outdoors as you may need prompt medical Talk to your doctor about this immunotherapy attention if stung.  Allergic reactions most frequently occur after being stung by a bee, treatment.  Use insect screens on windows and doors wasp, yellow jacket, hornet or fire at home. ant.

Fatal allergic reactions can occur as the first  Do not use noisy equipment such as lawn  Most people are not allergic to insect generalized reaction. Far more common how- mowers, edger's, string-trimmers, or blow- stings. A localized sting reaction ever, is a fatal reaction following a previous, ers within 50 yards of beehives, 150 yards may be mistaken for an allergic reac- milder generalized reaction. The shorter the tion. of colonized African bee hives. interval since the last sting, the more likely it  Spray garbage cans regularly with insecti-  Always seek immediate medical is that a severe reaction will take place. care if bitten on the face, in the cides and keep the cans covered. mouth, throat, and/or if bee or Interesting facts: Bees have five eyes. Bees  Avoid or remove insect-attracting plants wasp is swallowed. and wasps fly at only 4 miles per hour. and vines growing in and around the house.

Revised August 2011