Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Newsletter How to Know if a Bug Bite is serious 7-21-16 10-2016

Newsletter How to Know if a Bug Bite is serious 7-21-16 10-2016



How to Know if a Bug Bite is Serious.

It's
summertime, meaning cookouts, picnics, trips to the park and family
vacations. All this extra time spent outdoors also means more exposure
to bugs. From ants, ticks and spiders to bees and wasps, the potential
to get bitten or stung by one of these outdoor pests also grows.
Most
of the time, common over-the-counter medications can help relieve bug
bite or sting symptoms. Acetaminophen can help with pain, and a 1
percent hydrocortisone cream can help relieve redness, itching or
swelling. But sometimes, bug bites can require medical attention,
especially if the bite causes an allergic reaction or becomes infected.
Seek medical attention if any of these occur:
  • a large rash around the bite
  • pain or swelling that lasts longer than three days or extends beyond the original site of the bite or sting
  • rapidly changing symptoms
Severe
allergic reactions to bug bites and stings can be life-threatening. If
you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately:
  • shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • chest pain
  • bee or wasp sting in the mouth that causes severe swelling that could interfere with breathing
  • dizziness or fainting
  • facial swelling
  • nausea or vomiting
If
you think you've been bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider,
or stung by a scorpion, head to the ER, as these can be life-threatening
— especially for children and seniors — and may require immediate
medical attention.
Excerpted from Health Connections. Bayfront Health.