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Living With Insect Allergies: Symptoms, Epinephrine Injections, Precautions And Anaphylactic Shock
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Published: August 15, 2007
The warm days of the summer and fall are perfect for many favorite outdoor activities. Conversely, for the millions of Americans with insect allergies, these days of barbecues, camping and hiking can also pose a risk. Bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps and fire ants all have the power to sting, and the severity of the reaction in the victim can vary significantly.
For these afflicted people, insect allergies are not only an annoyance, but can be a danger as well.
Most people not suffering from insect allergies, who experience insect stings, can expect localized pain, swelling and itching at the site of the sting. To treat, simply disinfect the wound and apply ice; occasionally the site may continue to swell. This reaction is still non-allergic, so there is no immediate cause for concern. In this case, antihistamines or steroids can be used as additional treatment if needed.
Life is different for those with insect allergies, however. What may be a simple insect sting for most people can provoke a powerful allergic reaction in other victims. Medicinenet.com reports anaphylactic shock is the most serious allergic reaction, and causes between 50 and 150 deaths each year.
Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include: flushed skin, hives, itching, anxiety and sometimes a quickening pulse. Finally, the throat and tongue swell, causing hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and breathing. If a person with insect allergies is stung and starts to display any of these symptoms, he or she must act quickly. Employ the use of adrenaline injections, if available, to relieve symptoms while on the way to the hospital . Immediate emergency response is crucial for those with insect allergies.
If a person with insect allergies is stung by a honey bee, the stinger will need to be removed gently, as not to release more venom into the wound. A severe allergic reaction will require an epinephrine injection. Sometimes referred to as adrenaline, an epinephrine injection contracts the blood vessels and thus keeps the allergic reaction contained. The epinephrine injection will also relax the bronchial tubes, restoring the ease of breathing. The hives and itching subside as well as the injection takes effect. Other medicines may be used in addition to epinephrine, depending on the severity of the reaction.
According to medicinenet.com, those with insect allergies face a 60% probability their next sting will be just as bad or worse than their last reaction. Therefore, it is prudent for people with insect allergies to carry a prescription epinephrine injection self-kit, such as Epi-Pen or ANA-Kit. This will slow the reaction until emergency medical attention is available for those afflicted with insect allergies.
Because of the life-threatening nature of anaphylactic shock , it is necessary for those with insect allergies to take precautions against being stung in the first place. To avoid honey bees, do not walk barefoot on grass and be non-aggressive if encountered. Be well aware of any wasp or hornet nests and do not disturb them. Those with insect allergies should wear long sleeved clothing when outside, and stay away from outdoor garbage and other food sources the insects may swarm. Stay away from bright colors and counterintuively, insect repellent, which are both thought to attract bees.
Those suffering from insect allergies can obtain allergy shots as another precaution, but these are not for everyone and can be quite a tedious process. It involves a series of twice weekly leading to twice monthly shots for a period of up to five years. However, medicinenet.com reports this treatment claims to be 100% effective in its patients.
Insect allergies can mean more careful summers for those who suffer from them. Some creative precautions may be to live in a colder climate and take up winter sports. However, medical response and treatment shots for insect allergies are advanced enough to today to enjoy a safe summer outside as well.
Sources:
“Anaphylaxis.” MedicineNet.com. 30 May 2007. 6 Aug 2007. http://www.medicinenet.com/anaphylaxis/page4.htm.
“Anaphylaxis.” MedicineNet.com. 30 May 2007. 6 Aug 2007. http://www.medicinenet.com/anaphylaxis/page8.htm.
“Anaphylaxis.” MedicineNet.com. 30 May 2007. 6 Aug 2007. http://www.medicinenet.com/anaphylaxis/page5.htm.
“Stinging Insect Allergies.” MedicineNet.com. 16 April 2002. 6 Aug 2007. http://www.medicinenet.com/insect_sting_allergies/ article.htm.
“Insect Sting Allergies.” MedicineNet.com. 16 April 2002. 6 Aug 2007. http://www.medicinenet.com/insect_sting_allergies/ page3.htm.
Related Articles
Most people not suffering from insect allergies, who experience insect stings, can expect localized pain, swelling and itching at the site of the sting. To treat, simply disinfect the wound and apply ice; occasionally the site may continue to swell. This reaction is still non-allergic, so there is no immediate cause for concern. In this case, antihistamines or steroids can be used as additional treatment if needed.
Life is different for those with insect allergies, however. What may be a simple insect sting for most people can provoke a powerful allergic reaction in other victims. Medicinenet.com reports anaphylactic shock is the most serious allergic reaction, and causes between 50 and 150 deaths each year.
Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include: flushed skin, hives, itching, anxiety and sometimes a quickening pulse. Finally, the throat and tongue swell, causing hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and breathing. If a person with insect allergies is stung and starts to display any of these symptoms, he or she must act quickly. Employ the use of adrenaline injections, if available, to relieve symptoms while on the way to the hospital . Immediate emergency response is crucial for those with insect allergies.
If a person with insect allergies is stung by a honey bee, the stinger will need to be removed gently, as not to release more venom into the wound. A severe allergic reaction will require an epinephrine injection. Sometimes referred to as adrenaline, an epinephrine injection contracts the blood vessels and thus keeps the allergic reaction contained. The epinephrine injection will also relax the bronchial tubes, restoring the ease of breathing. The hives and itching subside as well as the injection takes effect. Other medicines may be used in addition to epinephrine, depending on the severity of the reaction.
According to medicinenet.com, those with insect allergies face a 60% probability their next sting will be just as bad or worse than their last reaction. Therefore, it is prudent for people with insect allergies to carry a prescription epinephrine injection self-kit, such as Epi-Pen or ANA-Kit. This will slow the reaction until emergency medical attention is available for those afflicted with insect allergies.
Because of the life-threatening nature of anaphylactic shock , it is necessary for those with insect allergies to take precautions against being stung in the first place. To avoid honey bees, do not walk barefoot on grass and be non-aggressive if encountered. Be well aware of any wasp or hornet nests and do not disturb them. Those with insect allergies should wear long sleeved clothing when outside, and stay away from outdoor garbage and other food sources the insects may swarm. Stay away from bright colors and counterintuively, insect repellent, which are both thought to attract bees.
Those suffering from insect allergies can obtain allergy shots as another precaution, but these are not for everyone and can be quite a tedious process. It involves a series of twice weekly leading to twice monthly shots for a period of up to five years. However, medicinenet.com reports this treatment claims to be 100% effective in its patients.
Insect allergies can mean more careful summers for those who suffer from them. Some creative precautions may be to live in a colder climate and take up winter sports. However, medical response and treatment shots for insect allergies are advanced enough to today to enjoy a safe summer outside as well.
Sources:
“Anaphylaxis.” MedicineNet.com. 30 May 2007. 6 Aug 2007. http://www.medicinenet.com/anaphylaxis/page4.htm.
“Anaphylaxis.” MedicineNet.com. 30 May 2007. 6 Aug 2007. http://www.medicinenet.com/anaphylaxis/page8.htm.
“Anaphylaxis.” MedicineNet.com. 30 May 2007. 6 Aug 2007. http://www.medicinenet.com/anaphylaxis/page5.htm.
“Stinging Insect Allergies.” MedicineNet.com. 16 April 2002. 6 Aug 2007. http://www.medicinenet.com/insect_sting_allergies/ article.htm.
“Insect Sting Allergies.” MedicineNet.com. 16 April 2002. 6 Aug 2007. http://www.medicinenet.com/insect_sting_allergies/ page3.htm.
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