Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Insect Stings
Avoiding insect stings may not always be possible. However, knowing how to respond should your child experience an allergic reaction from an insect sting, could provide more peace of mind in the event of an emergency.
Insect stings that most commonly cause allergic reactions:
Insects that are members of the Hymenopteran family most commonly cause allergic reactions. These include the following:
- bees
- wasps
- hornets
- yellow jackets
- fire ants
What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to an insect sting?
For most children, when stung by an insect, the reaction is short-lived, with redness and swelling followed by pain and itching. Generally, the reaction lasts only a few hours, although some may last longer. For others, however, allergic reactions to these insect stings can be life threatening. This severe reaction is a medical emergency that can involve organ systems throughout the body. The reaction is called anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, and can include severe symptoms such as the following:
- itching and hives over most of the body
- swelling of the throat and tongue
- difficulty in breathing
- dizziness
- headache
- stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea
- rapid drop in blood pressure
- shock loss of consciousness
Immediate medical attention is required.
Can insect stings be prevented?
Avoidance of insects is the best preventive measure. Suggestions for helping your child avoid insect stings include the following:
- When outdoors, make sure your child is careful of eating or drinking
uncovered foods or beverages, which can attract insects.
- Keep your child from going barefoot. He/she should wear closed-toe
shoes when walking in grassy areas.
- When playing outdoors, make sure you and your child watch for insect nests in trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Other areas in which to use caution include swimming pools, woodpiles, under eaves of houses, and trash containers.
Treatment for insect stings:
Specific treatment for insect stings will be determined by your child's physician based on the following:
- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the reaction
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the reaction
- your opinion or preference
Suggestions for immediate treatment for highly-allergic children, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, include the following:
- When possible, immediately remove the stinger, and scrape over the
area with a fingernail. However, do not squeeze the area, which may
force the venom into the body.
- An emergency treatment kit should be kept nearby at all times.
Consult your child's physician about what it should include.
- Seek emergency care for your child as soon as possible.
Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web.
Contact Information
Caplin, James A., M.D. . . . . . . .(361) 888-6782
Smith, Gary, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . .(361) 882-3487
Stafford, Wesley, M.D. . . . . . . . .(361) 992-8500
Statement of Compliance
Voted Best Place to Work in 2006 and 2007 | Ways to Give | Contact Us
Copyright © Driscoll Children's Hospital 2008
Corpus Christi, Texas
Live website tracking by Visistat
