Insects inhabit almost every corner of our planet. Among them are a large number of stinging, biting and blood-sucking insects. You can meet them in the city, in nature, in the forest and even in your own home. Most people easily tolerate the bites of midges and horseflies, mosquitoes and bees, but for some such a meeting can end in a serious allergic reaction.
Why do some people experience allergic swelling to an insect bite ? The fact is that the immune response is provoked by substances contained in the saliva of blood-sucking pests and in the venom of stinging insects. The most dangerous are the bites of hymenoptera insects: wasps, hornets, and some types of ants. People who are sensitive to their stings may experience anaphylactic shock in addition to swelling. Children, teenagers and young people under 20 years of age are most susceptible to insect bites.
Local reactions to insect bites are characterized by slow development. The first symptoms of swelling may appear in 6-8 hours. In the following day or several, the swelling will increase. Complications may occur.
What insect bites can trigger allergies?
what insect bites can trigger allergies
An encounter with a variety of insects can provoke an allergic reaction. Most often, allergic edema occurs due to exposure to poisons in the body:
os;
hornets;
bees;
bumblebees;
ants.
Their poisons contain allergenic proteins that trigger a whole cascade of undesirable reactions in the victim’s body. The more poison that gets into the blood, the higher the risk of complications. That is why the greatest danger comes from situations when a person is stung by several bees or wasps at the same time.
Less pronounced reactions occur to bites:
mosquitoes;
midges;
bedbugs;
fleas;
horseflies;
flies, etc.
In addition to substances that have anesthetic and blood-thinning properties, their saliva contains toxic substances that provoke allergies.
In general, an allergy can occur to the bite of any insect. Science knows of cases where anaphylactic shock developed in a person to the bite of a ladybug.
Symptoms of allergic edema to an insect bite and their manifestations
Symptoms of allergic swelling from an insect bite
Depending on the immunity and individual characteristics of the victim's body, allergies can be accompanied by different symptoms. Based on clinical manifestations, the reaction to a bite can be:
Mild - accompanied by swelling, redness of the bite area, itching, burning. In some cases, you may feel unwell and have a slight increase in temperature.
General - in addition to the symptoms listed above, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes pain in the abdominal area are added. The development of papular urticaria, foci of necrosis, and the formation of blisters filled with fluid is possible.
Severe - signs of asphyxia are added. The victim complains of difficulty breathing, it is difficult for him to speak and swallow. Confusion is often observed.
Shock is the most severe and dangerous reaction. Against the background of allergy, blood pressure drops, mucous membranes become pale, the skin takes on a bluish tint, and the person loses consciousness.
Reactions that occur to Hymenoptera bites are more severe, especially in large quantities. Allergy symptoms include:
severe swelling;
pain and burning at the site of the bite;
headache;
gastrointestinal tract dysfunction;
increase in body temperature;
general malaise;
loss of consciousness.
In the most severe cases, there is a risk of developing anaphylactic shock. In the absence of timely medical care, death is possible.
Prevention of allergic swelling due to insect bites
The following measures will help minimize the risk of allergic swelling and complications from an insect bite:
Treat the bite site with antiseptics. This measure will prevent infection from getting into the wound.
Cooling the swelling area. To do this, you can use ice or a cloth moistened with cold water.
Elevating the limb. If the bite is on one limb, it is best to elevate it and immobilize it. This can reduce the force of blood circulation.
Taking antiallergic drugs. These can be any antihistamines, depending on the age of the victim.
Taking analgesics. If the bite is accompanied by severe pain, you can take painkillers.
Immediately after the basic measures, you should seek medical help.
When attacked by stinging insects
allergy due to stinging insect bites
Stinging insects include bees, wasps, and hornets. To minimize the risk of developing an allergy in the event of an attack, you must:
Carefully examine the wound. If there is a sting left in it, you need to carefully remove it with tweezers or your hands. Beforehand, you need to treat your hands and the bite site with an antiseptic.
If the stinger is not removed, it should be left alone. Otherwise, careless actions will contribute to the faster spread of the toxin throughout the body. This can lead to a sharp deterioration in the victim's health.
Apply a sterile bandage and a cold compress to the bite site. You can use regular ice for this purpose.
Provide the victim with plenty of fluids. This way you will speed up the removal of toxins from the body.
Take antihistamines. If you have a severe allergy, it is advisable to take hormonal medications.
Stinging insect bites take longer to heal. The duration of the course of therapy can reach 3-5 days. Much depends on the human body.
Treatment of allergic edema due to insect bites
Treatment begins with diagnostics. Usually, insect bites are easily differentiated, as are the consequences of attacks by bees, hornets, wasps and bumblebees. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor examines the site of damage to the skin and asks leading questions. If necessary, the patient is prescribed the following types of tests and examinations :
general and biochemical blood analysis ;
blood test for immunoglobulin;
Analysis of urine ;
Ultrasound ;
ECG ;
allergy tests .
If the patient’s condition is serious, doctors from other areas are involved in the work: cardiologists , allergists , dermatologists , etc.
Treatment methods for allergic edema
Treatment is divided into:
planned;
emergency.
In the first case, doctors most often limit themselves to prescribing antihistamines and local methods, for example, applying compresses or applying ointments. In general, tactics depend on the severity of the condition and may include:
taking steroidal antihistamines;
taking conventional antihistamines, such as suprastin;
prescription of topical glucocorticosteroids for local use;
taking diuretics in the presence of severe edema.
In case of mild allergies, treatment is carried out at home under the constant supervision of the attending physician.
If the patient's health deteriorates, urgent hospitalization is required. In this case, treatment is selected based on the patient's condition.
Desensitizing immunotherapy
If the reaction to bites occurs constantly and is accompanied by the development of complications, patients are recommended to undergo desensitizing immunotherapy with poisons. This method of treatment reduces the risk of developing anaphylactic shock by 50% and alleviates the manifestations of an allergic reaction. In children, the positive effect can persist for 10-15 years after the course.
Prevention of allergic reactions to insect bites
Prevention of allergic reactions to insect bites
The only way of prevention is correct human behavior and compliance with a number of preventive measures. The most significant are:
Wearing clothing that is as closed as possible during peak insect activity. If you are in nature, use additional methods of protection: clothing with mesh, repellents, special repellent candles, etc.
Wearing shoes when walking on grass. Bumblebees often make their nests in grass thickets. In addition, this is a common habitat for ants and many other insects.
Refusal to visit apiaries. It is also not recommended to visit open markets where they sell honey and fruits in the summer. Do not forget that wasps can remain active until mid-autumn.
Careful handling of beehives and insect nests. Often hornets and wasps settle in the attics of houses. If you find a hive, you must contact a specialized service.
Carry antihistamines with you. If you or your child suffers from a sting allergy, you should always carry medications prescribed by your doctor with you.
If you are planning a trip to nature or any other place where there are a lot of blood-sucking insects, it is advisable to start taking antihistamines 3-4 days before the trip. This will help reduce the risk of complications in the event of an allergic reaction.
It is very important to convey this information to children who are prone to developing anaphylactic shock. It is also necessary to warn educators and teachers at school who have such children under their care. It is best if they have a special bracelet with the necessary information.
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