Imagine that you are doing some gardening or playing with a little one and suddenly get stung by a wasp, hornet, or bee. It is normal to feel pain and swelling at that time. But how do you know for sure whether this is a normal reaction or a serious allergic reaction ? If you know the difference between the two, you can decide for yourself whether you need to see a doctor or not.
There are 3 types of reactions.
The symptoms of insect bites vary from person to person. But in general, we can divide these reactions into three types. To understand this difference, see the table below.
| Reaction type | Description and characteristics |
|---|---|
| 1. Normal Reaction | The bite site is usually painful, red, and swollen. This is common for most people. It usually subsides within a few hours or a day or two. |
| 2. Large Local Reaction | A large area of swelling occurs beyond the bite. For example, if you are stung in the ankle, your entire leg may swell. This can be a bit scary to see, but it is usually not a serious condition. This swelling peaks after about 48 hours and gradually subsides over a period of 5 to 10 days. |
| 3. Allergic Reaction | This is the condition we should be most concerned about and seek immediate treatment for. Let's talk about its symptoms in detail now. |
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
Even though it's an allergic reaction, there are two levels: mild and severe.
Symptoms of a minor allergic reaction
In this case, you may see one or more of the following symptoms at and around the bite site:
- Pain
- Redness
- Small pimple-like blisters
- Slightly higher than normal swelling
- The area is a little warm.
- Severe itching
Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylactic Reaction)
This is the most dangerous condition that requires emergency medical attention . It is not very common, but if it occurs, it is better not to delay even a second. These are the symptoms that can identify it.
If you experience any of these symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat, or mouth, it is an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
| Warning signs of a severe allergy (Anaphylaxis) | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing | Feeling of tightness in the throat, wheezing |
| Swelling of the face, throat, mouth, or tongue | This can cause airway obstruction. |
| Hives | Red, itchy rashes spread throughout the body, beyond the bite site. |
| Difficulty swallowing | A condition that can occur due to swelling of the throat. |
| Dizziness or sudden drop in blood pressure | Inability to stand, blue eyes, feeling like you're about to lose consciousness. |
| Other features | Fast heartbeat, restlessness, stomach ache, nausea, or diarrhea. |
If you have any of these symptoms, go to the hospital immediately. It's an emergency .
First aid if you have an allergy
If you have a normal reaction, do these things.
1. Remove rings: If the bite is on a hand or finger, remove all rings from that hand immediately . They may not be able to be removed once they start to swell.
2. Remove the stinger : If you get stung by a bee, the stinger may be embedded in your skin. Remove it as quickly as possible, within 30 seconds. This is because the venom will enter your body if it is there. Never squeeze it with your hands. Doing so will only cause more venom to enter your body. Gently scrape it off with your fingernail or something with a sharp edge, such as a credit card.
3. Clean: Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water. Then apply an antiseptic.
4. Apply an ointment: Apply something like a `(Hydrocortisone)` cream or `(Calamine)` lotion to reduce swelling and itching, and cover with a clean bandage.
5. Apply ice: If the swelling is severe, apply an ice pack or a cloth soaked in cold water.
6. Take medicine: You can take an antihistamine tablet from the pharmacy to reduce itching, swelling, and redness. However, do not give any medicine to children under 2 years of age and pregnant women without asking your doctor. Also, you can take an ``NSAID'' type of painkiller (e.g. Ibuprofen). But read the instructions on the package carefully before taking any medicine. If you have other medical conditions, it is best to talk to your doctor before taking any medicine.
What do you do if you have a severe allergy?
If you have had a severe allergic reaction in the past, your doctor may have prescribed an auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) that contains a medicine called epinephrine. You should inject this medicine as soon as you start having severe symptoms, before doing anything else .
Even if you use a medication like an EpiPen and your symptoms subside, you should still go to a hospital or emergency room (ETU) immediately. You may need to stay in the hospital.
If you know you have a severe allergy, always carry this `(Epinephrine)` kit with you.
How do you avoid insect bites?
Although it cannot be completely prevented, these things can help reduce the risk.
- Identify areas where there are hornet, wasp, and bee nests and stay away from them.
- Wear shoes and socks when walking outdoors.
- If you are going to a place like a garden or forest, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Avoid wearing perfume and bright colored clothing, as these attract insects.
- Always keep trash cans clean, spray them with insecticide, and keep them closed.
- If you have a severe allergy, avoid going on solo jungle treks or boat rides.
- It's also important to wear something like a medical alert bracelet that says you have a severe allergy. It could save your life in an emergency. Talk to your doctor about this for more information.
Is there a long-term treatment for allergies?
Yes. It's called ``Allergy shots'' or immunotherapy. This is about 97% effective.
Simply put, this involves injecting your body with very small amounts of the insect venom you are allergic to, over a period of time. Over time, your body becomes accustomed to the venom. Then, if you are stung by that same animal again, you won't have a severe reaction.
Before starting this treatment, your doctor will test you to see which insects you are allergic to. Then, you will be given injections once or twice a week. After about 3-6 months, you will reach a maintenance dose. You should talk to your doctor about this treatment and decide if it is right for you.
Take-Home Message
- Distinguish between a normal reaction to an insect bite, a large local reaction, and a severe allergic reaction.
- Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, and rash all over the body are a medical emergency . Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you have a severe insect sting allergy, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) prescribed by your doctor.
- Even if you use the EpiPen, you should definitely go to a hospital.
- Take precautions to protect yourself from insects. Avoid bright clothing and perfumes.
- Talk openly with your doctor about your allergy and long-term treatment.
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