By Kathy Sinkin, RN, CDE
A few years ago, I was eating a sandwich and, as I took a bite, I didn’t notice that a bee had landed on it. Yes you guessed it; I took the bite and that bee stung my tongue! Fortunately, I was not allergic to bee stings, and I sucked on ice all day to keep the swelling down. But some people are not as fortunate as me.
With summer here, we’re bound to have a few mosquito or other insect bites. Although insect stings or bites can be irritating, in most cases symptoms begin to disappear by the next day and don’t require medical care. However, those who are allergic to insect bites or stings may sometimes have life-threatening symptoms which require emergency treatment.
With mild reactions, you might see red bumps, itchiness, or mild swelling. In contrast, signs and symptoms of a severe reaction include swelling of the face or mouth, difficulty swallowing or speaking, chest tightness, wheezing or difficulty breathing, dizziness, or fainting.
If there are signs of a severe reaction and you or your child has an injectable epinephrine pen (EpiPen) handy, use it right away and then call 911, telling the operator that you are having a life-threatening emergency. If someone is with you, have them call 911 while you are giving or taking the epinephrine. You and your health care provider should discuss the use of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and have it on hand.
If there are no signs of a severe reaction, and the insect’s stinger is visible, remove it as quickly as possible by scraping the skin with the edge of a credit card or your fingernail. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply ice or a cool wet cloth to the area to relieve pain and swelling. If the site looks infected (inflamed redness, warmth, swelling, pain), seek medical care.
Prevention is key to minimizing the effects of stings and bites. Do not walk barefoot on the grass. Remove any water collecting in outdoor containers (from rain or sprinklers) since they are popular spots for insects to nest. And, as I found out, check your food before you take a bite!
Kathy Sinkin is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. She can be reached at kas239@cornell.edu