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 Sting Allergy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sting Allergy. 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 Allergic Sting Reactions Treated?
Severe allergic sting reactions are treated with epinephrine
(adrenaline), either self-injected or administered by a doctor. Usually
this injection will stop the development of a more severe allergic
reaction.
In some cases, intravenous fluids, oxygen, and other treatments are also necessary. Once stabilized, you are sometimes required to stay overnight at the hospital under close observation. People who have had previous allergic reactions to an insect sting must remember to carry epinephrine with them wherever they go. Also, because one dose may not be enough to reverse an allergic reaction, immediate medical attention following an insect sting is still recommended.
In some cases, intravenous fluids, oxygen, and other treatments are also necessary. Once stabilized, you are sometimes required to stay overnight at the hospital under close observation. People who have had previous allergic reactions to an insect sting must remember to carry epinephrine with them wherever they go. Also, because one dose may not be enough to reverse an allergic reaction, immediate medical attention following an insect sting is still recommended.
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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