(Please note: Because the medical labs do not need stinging insects like they used to, I can no longer collect for free. I sincerely apologize. I loved offering this service. You can hire my all-natural and organic stinging pest removal through "The Yellowjacket Expert".)
The information in this article is adapted from a pamphlet from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. It was provided through a grant by ALK Laboratories, Inc. See also http://allergy.mcg.edu/ALK/insect.html
TYPES OF INSECT STING REACTIONS
Most people are not allergic to insect stings and should recognize the difference between an allergic reaction and a normal or large local reaction. This will prevent unnecessary worry and medical expenses.
The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. A normal reaction will result in pain, swelling, and redness confined to the sting site. Simply disinfect the area and apply ice to reduce the swelling. A large local reaction will result in swelling that extends beyond the sting site. For example, a person stung on the forearm may have his/her entire arm swell to twice its normal size. Although alarming in appearance, this condition is often treated the same as a normal reaction. However, because this condition may persist for 2-3 days, antihistamines and steroids are sometimes prescribed to reduce the discomfort. The most serious reaction to an insect sting is an allergic one. This condition requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction or "anaphylaxis" may include one or more of the following:
- Hives, itching, and swelling in areas other than the sting site.
- Tightness of the chest and difficulty breathing.
- Hoarse voice or swelling of the tongue.
- Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure.
- Unconsciousness or cardiac arrest.
EMERGENCY TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Life-threatening allergic reactions can progress very rapidly and require immediate medical attention. Treatment usually includes administration of certain drugs such as epinephrine and antihistamines; and in some cases intravenous fluids, oxygen and other treatments. Once stabilized, patients are often required to stay in the hospital under close observation.
STING KITS
Insect sting kits include a pre-loaded syringe containing epinephrine, an emergency medication for treating the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Because epinephrine does not treat the underlying allergy, patients still have a high risk of severe reactions; and since serious allergic reactions often require additional treatments, patients using sting kits must still seek immediate medical attention.
PREVENT FUTURE REACTIONS
Allergic reactions to insect stings can be prevented with immunotherapy, a highly effective vaccination program that can reduce the risk and fear of future allergic reactions. Protection is achieved by treating the patient's allergy through immunization so that he/she will not react to the next insect sting.
FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT IMMUNOTHERAPY
Ask your doctor to send you to an allergist, a physician who is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease. Based on your past history and certain tests, the allergist will determine if you are a candidate for immunotherapy.
For names of board certified allergists in your area, please call the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at 1-800-842-7777.
To help these patients, please contact us to donate your yellow jacket or hornet nest to Norman.
For further information visit these web sites:
- Insect Sting Anaphylaxis and Hymenoptera Venom Immunotherapy: Physician Information
- Allergic Reactions to Stings from Hornets, Wasps, Bees and Yellow Jackets: Patient Information
- Facts on stinging insects
- Tips on Avoiding Insect Stings