INSECT BITE
Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice
A Female Mosquito Feeding on a Human Host.
Definition
- Itchy Insect Bites: Bites of mosquitoes, chiggers (harvest mites), fleas, and bedbugs usually cause itchy, red bumps.
- Painful Insect Bites: Bites of horseflies, black flies, deer flies, gnats, harvester ants, blister beetles, and centipedes usually cause a painful, red bump. Within a few hours, fire ant bites can change to blisters or pimples.
Anaphylaxis
- Anaphylaxis is the medical term for a severe life-threatening allergic reaction.
- Symptoms of anaphylaxis include: feeling faint or passing out, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, hives, wheezing and/or cough. Onset of symptoms is sometimes within seconds and usually within 20 minutes.
- Individuals who have had severe reactions to previous stings should have an anaphylaxis kit (e.g. Ana-Kit, Epi-Pen) and keep it nearby if there is any risk of a sting.
- Anaphylaxis can occur following fire ant stings, but rarely with other insects. It mainly occurs with bee, yellow jacket or wasp stings.
>FIRST AID Advice for Anaphylaxis
- Give epinephrine injection if you have an anaphylactic kit. Inject it into the muscle of the upper outer thigh.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP
Reviewed 8/2004
Revised 8/2004