Insect Sting Allergies
Source: www.atlantaallergy.com
Topic: Insect Stings
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Sort Desciption: Insect Stings are such a common problem during the summer that almost everyone has been stung at some time in their lives. Most of these stings are mild annoyances with itching, pain, and swelling at the point of the sting. ...
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Insect Sting Allergies Insect Sting Allergies Insect Stings are such a common problem during the summer that almost everyone has been stung at some time in their lives. Most of these stings are mild annoyances with itching, pain, and swelling at the point of the sting. However, in some patients, stings from Hymenoptera (which includes Yellow Jackets, HoneyBees, Wasps and Hornets), or Fire Ants can be extremely serious, even potentially life-threatening. Between .4% and .8% of the population are allergic to insect venom. Each year at least 40 people die from a reaction to an insect bite. Local reactions can range from a swollen arm or leg to a small welt. These are natural responses to the venom, and nothing to worry about. You can take an antihistamine to combat the itching, or a topical cortisone cream applied directly to the affected areas. Large local reactions including swelling that may involve an entire extremity are also generally not allergic reactions, but toxic reactions due to the venom itself. Children and adults who have local reactions to stings arent at risk for severe systemic reactions, nor is there any need to worry when a child gets hives without any breathing difficulty. (Adults who develop hives after a sting should be checked for insect allergy.) Allergic reactions to stings begin with hives or swelling that occurs in an area distant to the sting, for example hives on the face and chest after a sting on the foot. These reactions may stay limited to the skin, or may also progress to difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness or closing of the throat. Life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis) include the loss of consciousness, stridor (harsh breathing sounds), wheezing, a swollen throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, inability to talk, dizziness or fainting, or falling blood pressure. Anyone with these symptoms has a significant chance of a similar, or more severe reaction if stung again. If you or a family member have ...
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