For one miserable summer when I was in elementary school, I had some bad reactions to mosquito bites. Two or more bites in a localized area and I would swell right up. The worst was the three bites on my cheek and forehead that swelled my left eye shut! Each time it happened, I ended up at the doctor’s office or in the emergency room for some heavy-duty antihistamines. And those shots always hurt!
I’m lucky that my reactions weren’t worse — they were severe locally, but not system-wide. Systemic allergic reactions involve the whole body and usually are a medical emergency.
Symptoms of a systemic reaction include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Severe swelling
- Red lines running from the bite site towards the heart
- Drop in blood pressure
- Shock
- Anaphylaxis — a life-threatening reaction that needs immediate medical attention
Treatment for a whole-body allergic reaction to a sting or insect bite may include a shot of epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids.
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a bite or sting in the past, your doctor may have you carry an allergy kit with you at all times. The kit includes both antihistamines and epinephrine, often in a pre-loaded hypodermic. If you must use your allergy kit, seek medical care as soon as possible. Symptoms may reappear or worsen after the first injection.
What can you do to prevent future medical emergencies?
- Avoid the insects that cause the allergy.
- Know the signs of a serious reaction, and know how to use an allergy kit.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet so others know of your allergy.
- Notify friends, family, and coworkers of your allergy, so they can help you in an emergency.
- Keep an allergy kit handy at all times — at home, at work, and in the car.
If your child has a severe allergy problem with insect bites or stings, make sure their teachers and other caregivers are aware of the danger and know how to use the allergy kit in case of an emergency. Older children may be able to give their own injections, but should know to call for help anyway.