You will need a prescription from your doctor to purchase one of these kits. Before using, be sure to let your doctor know about any medicine you are taking to prevent drug interactions.
Showing posts with label Insect Sting Allergies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Insect Sting Allergies. Show all posts
What Are Epinephrine Sting Kits?
Epinephrine sting kits can be self administered and are important for
you to use immediately after being stung, before you get to a doctor
for treatment. The two most common have the brand names Ana-Kit and
Epi-Pen. However, these kits should not be used as a substitute for
medical intervention. You should still see a doctor after being stung.
Epinephrine alone is not always enough to reverse serious allergic sting
reactions and may cause serious side effects in some people with heart
conditions or people who are taking certain medicines.
You will need a prescription from your doctor to purchase one of these kits. Before using, be sure to let your doctor know about any medicine you are taking to prevent drug interactions.
You will need a prescription from your doctor to purchase one of these kits. Before using, be sure to let your doctor know about any medicine you are taking to prevent drug interactions.
How Are Normal or Localized Allergic Sting Reactions Treated?
First, if stung on the hand, remove any rings from your fingers immediately.
If stung by a bee, the bee usually leaves a sac of venom and a stinger in your skin. Remove the stinger within 30 seconds to avoid receiving more venom. Gently scrape the sac and stinger out with a fingernail or a stiff-edged object like a credit card. Do not squeeze the sac or pull on the stinger -- this will cause the release of more venom into the skin.
Wash the stung area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic.
Apply a soothing ointment, like a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion and cover the area with a dry, sterile bandage.
If swelling is a problem, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area.
Take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine to reduce itching, swelling, and hives. However, this medication should not be given to children under 2 years of age or to pregnant women without prior approval from a doctor.
To relieve pain, take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.
In general, pregnant women should consult their doctors before taking any over-the-counter medicine.
Also, carefully read the warning label on any medicines before taking it. Parents of children and people with medical conditions should consult a pharmacist if they have questions about a medicine's use.
If stung by a bee, the bee usually leaves a sac of venom and a stinger in your skin. Remove the stinger within 30 seconds to avoid receiving more venom. Gently scrape the sac and stinger out with a fingernail or a stiff-edged object like a credit card. Do not squeeze the sac or pull on the stinger -- this will cause the release of more venom into the skin.
Wash the stung area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic.
Apply a soothing ointment, like a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion and cover the area with a dry, sterile bandage.
If swelling is a problem, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area.
Take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine to reduce itching, swelling, and hives. However, this medication should not be given to children under 2 years of age or to pregnant women without prior approval from a doctor.
To relieve pain, take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.
In general, pregnant women should consult their doctors before taking any over-the-counter medicine.
Also, carefully read the warning label on any medicines before taking it. Parents of children and people with medical conditions should consult a pharmacist if they have questions about a medicine's use.
What Are the Symptoms of an Insect Sting Allergy?
Symptoms of a severe insect sting allergy (called an anaphylactic reaction) may include one or more of the following:
A mild allergic reaction to an insect sting may cause one or more of the following symptoms at the site of the sting:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and spread to areas beyond the sting
- Swelling of the face, throat, or mouth tissue
- Wheezing or difficulty swallowing
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure
A mild allergic reaction to an insect sting may cause one or more of the following symptoms at the site of the sting:
- Pain
- Redness
- Pimple-like spots
- Mild to moderate swelling
- Warmth at the sting site
- Itching
How Common Are Insect Sting Allergies?
About 2 million Americans have allergies to the venom of stinging insects. Many of these individuals are at risk for life-threatening allergic reactions. Approximately 50 deaths each year in the U.S. are attributed to insect sting allergies.
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