This is how a fire ant faces a disaster without panicking!

Oh! It hurts, doesn't it? Being stung by a red ant, or as we call it, a fire ant, is not an easy thing. Only those who have experienced it know the pain. Sometimes you may feel like you have not just one ant, but a whole swarm of ants on your body. Because one ant can sting you more than once. So, you start feeling pain and inflammation in several places on your body at once.

Not everyone's body reacts the same way in times like these. While some people may only experience a slight itch and swelling, others may experience a completely swollen arm or leg. But for some, this can even lead to a serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. So today, let's talk about what to do in the event of a red ant sting, and what symptoms we should be especially concerned about.

Is this happening to my body normal? Or is it dangerous?

First, let's look at what usually happens. A red ant sting usually starts as a small, red, itchy bump. This will go away within 30 to 60 minutes. But then, between 8 and 24 hours, you'll see a small, fluid-filled blister form. Many people think of this as a pus-filled blister. No, it's not actually pus, it's a collection of dead tissue and fluid. This is a normal reaction.

But some people may have a more severe reaction. For example, if an ant stings your hand, your entire hand may swell up. But if you don't have any other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or dizziness, it's usually not a serious condition. In such cases, you can try these first aid tips at home.

What first aid should be done?

1. Apply ice: Apply an ice pack to the ant sting. But never apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice in a towel, leave it on for 15 minutes, then remove it for 15 minutes. Alternate between these. Avoid heat. Applying ice will help control both pain and swelling.

2. Elevate the swollen area: If it's a leg, prop it up on a chair. If it's an arm, prop it up on a pillow. Elevating the swollen part of your body like this will help reduce swelling .

3. Control itching: If you have unbearable itching, you can ask your doctor for an appropriate anti-allergic medication, such as an antihistamine tablet. You can also use a cream like hydrocortisone to apply to the itchy area, as prescribed by your doctor.

If the swelling is still too large and the pain is severe, you should definitely see a doctor. He or she will prescribe stronger medications, such as steroids, if necessary.

What are the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis)?

This is the most dangerous part that we all need to know and pay attention to. Although this is a very rare occurrence, it can be life-threatening if it happens. We call this a severe allergic reaction, or (Anaphylaxis) . At times like this, not only the area where the ant stings, but the entire body starts to react.

If you experience one or more of the symptoms listed below, you should go to a hospital immediately, without delay.

If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). If possible, call the 1990 Suwaseriya Ambulance Service for help.

Some people with severe allergies are advised by their doctor to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (a type of emergency medicine pen). If you have one, use it. However, even if you use the injection, you should definitely go to the hospital. Sometimes, symptoms can come back when the medicine wears off.

How do you avoid red ants?

Prevention is better than cure, so there are a few simple things you can do to stay safe from these red ants.

• Stay away from anthills: When mowing the lawn or weeding flower beds, look carefully at the ground. If there are red anthills, be very careful when working in those areas.
• Get help from an experienced professional: If there are a lot of red ant nests around your home, call in an experienced pest control professional to destroy them.
• Put on shoes when you go outside: Especially if you are walking on grass, put on both shoes and socks.
• Wear gloves when working in the garden: This is a very simple, but very important habit.

What happens if there is a severe reaction once?

This is also a very important point. If you have a larger than normal reaction to a red ant sting once, there is about a 60% chance that the next time an ant stings you, you will have the same or even more severe reaction.

So, if you have such an experience, definitely talk to your doctor about this. He will advise you on special injections for allergies. Also, as mentioned earlier, he will decide whether you need to keep an epinephrine auto-injector with you in case of emergency. If you are prescribed one, it is best to always keep two.

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