Bug bites and stings can be just annoying — or they can be quite dangerous, depending on the insect and your own body’s reaction to it. Some insects are more likely than others to cause an allergic reaction. Not everybody is allergic to the sting, but unless you’ve been stung before, you probably don’t know how your body will react. Serious allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that occurs between 5 and 30 minutes after the sting or bite.
Insects do not usually attack unless they are provoked. Most bites and stings are defensive. The insects sting to protect their hives or nests. A sting or bite injects venom composed of proteins and other substances that may trigger an allergic reaction in the victim. The sting also causes redness and swelling at the site of the sting.
Symptoms and reactions to bites and stings:
- Mild Reactions
Most will only experience a mild reaction to bee strings where the bite site becomes red, itchy and swollen. There are several things you can do to relieve this mild reaction. However, there are more severe reactions that may require a trip to a Coastal Urgent Care center.
- Allergic Reactions
If a person is allergic to bees, wasps or hornets, and they get stung, it is possible the they will go into anaphylactic shock and require immediate family medical care.
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Immediate swelling around the eyes, tongue, lips or throat
- Extreme itching
- Wheezing
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- A rash or hives
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Total loss of consciousness
- Confusion or panic
Treating mild and allergic reactions:
Treatment for mild reactions :
- Move to a safe area to avoid more bites or stings.
- If needed, remove the stinger.
- Try not to scratch!
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cool compress. Use a cloth dampened with cold water or filled with ice. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
- Apply a cream, gel or lotion to the injured area. Use products containing ingredients such as hydrocortisone, pramoxine or lidocaine to help control pain. Use creams such as calamine lotion or those containing colloidal oatmeal or baking soda to help soothe itchy skin.
- Use over-the-counter medications. Try a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or an antihistamine.
Treatment for allergic reactions:
If a person has been stung and knows they are allergic, Coastal Urgent Care can prescribe EpiPens that contain epinephrine to prevent an attack from becoming severe.
If you seek urgent care, treatment includes:
- The use of oxygen to help the patient breathe
- Additional epinephrine if needed
- CPR if the individual stops breathing or the heart isn’t beating
- Antihistamines and cortisone via IV delivery
- A beta agonist or breathing treatment that contains albuterol
It’s also important to note when it’s time to see a doctor even if initially, the area doesn’t swell. See a doctor if:
- Redness or swelling doesn’t decrease within three days
- If you have asthma or another type of breathing problem
- You’re stung in multiple places
- You have had past bee sting symptoms that caused even a small reaction
Prevention is also a great way to avoid being stung. Before engaging in outdoor activities or allowing your children to play outside, check the surrounding area for bee or wasp nests and call an exterminator to help remove these nests.
Prevention
- Avoid provoking insects whenever possible.
- Avoid rapid, jerky movements around insect hives or nests.
- Avoid perfumes and floral-patterned or dark clothing.
- Use appropriate insect repellants and protective clothing.
- Use caution when eating outdoors, especially with sweetened beverages or in areas around garbage cans, which often attract bees.
- For those who have a serious allergy to insect bites or stings, carry an emergency epinephrine kit (which requires a prescription). Friends and family should be taught how to use it if you have a reaction. Wear a medical ID bracelet.
Contact Coastal Urgent Care if you have any symptoms or have questions regarding your sting.