Allergy to insect stings: how a doctor can tell if you have it and first aid
This article describes what allergy to insect stings looks like . It is also written here, what is the first aid when you have an allergic reaction to an insect sting.
Your body can react to an insect sting in two ways. You may have a local allergic reaction . Or you may have a general allergic reaction .
What does a local allergic reaction look like?
A local allergic reaction will manifest itself only in the place where the insect stung you. The area may be red and swollen. It can also itch. It usually gets better within a day.
It can also happen that the swelling will be large and very painful. Such swelling may disappear after several days. You may also feel weak or have chills.
Caution: Stings on the face, neck and mouth can be dangerous. You may not be able to breathe due to swelling. If an insect stings you in the face, neck or mouth, call an ambulance immediately (155).
What does an overall allergic reaction look like?
The overall allergic reaction can look different. It is important to know that it manifests itself elsewhere on the body than at the site of the sting. Symptoms of a general allergic reaction usually appear very soon after the sting. Maybe right away or in a few minutes.
You may have some of these symptoms:
- your palms, feet, head may itch
- your whole body may itch
- you may have hives – that’s a rash on your body. It can look different. They are mostly red spots and red or white pimples.
- you may have a swollen face and neck
- you may suddenly find it difficult to breathe through your nose
- your eyes may itch and be red and watery
- it can make your heart pound a lot
- you may feel dizzy
- you may want to vomit, your stomach may hurt
- you may have difficulty swallowing and speaking
- you may cough, hoarse and feel like you can’t breathe
- you may feel tired, weak
- you may pass out
- you can stop breathing
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis means that your body is very sensitive to a stimulus. For example, for insect bites. In this case, the body responds very violently to the sting.
When an insect stings you, it releases poison into you. Your body is trying hard to fight this poison. This means that they are trying to create a lot of antibodies . Fights poison from insect bites.
This fight is so big and demanding that you might end up unconscious or stop breathing. It’s very dangerous.
What is the first aid if you have an allergic reaction to an insect sting?
- if a sting remains at the sting site, scrape it away with your fingernail
- use the allergy medicine you have with you
- put something cold on the place where the insect stung you. Then it won’t swell as much.
- tell someone who is with you that you have been bitten by an insect
If you know you have an allergy to insect stings , always carry allergy medicine with you. These medicines will be prescribed by your doctor.
It can be different pills. These usually ensure that there will be little or no allergic reaction. You must take them immediately after the sting. They take a while to work.
You can also have an adrenaline pen . This is an injection that contains adrenaline . Adrenaline is a hormone that helps the body cope with an allergic reaction. It is necessary to regularly repeat how to use the adrenaline pen.
Caution: Major allergic reactions usually begin within a quarter of an hour after an insect sting. If you find that your injection site is red and you have other symptoms at the same time, it is better to call an ambulance (phone 155).
What do these words mean:
An allergic reaction occurs when a person encounters what they are allergic to. An allergic reaction can look like a rash, sneezing, runny nose or swelling and difficulty breathing. It can manifest immediately after meeting the allergen , in a few hours or even in a few days. Most people have an allergic reaction right away.
