Insects may cause severe allergic reactions. Bites and stings can be painful, sometimes itching. In most cases you may treat them at home, when you have simple redness, mild pain, and itching. However, some people have allergic reactions to some insects, a real life-threatening allergic reaction. These people require urgent emergency care, and a call to 911 is to be done immediately because the reaction is severe and very quick, and you have only a few minutes to save their life.
Signs of emergency are: chest pain, difficulty swallowing, swollen face or mouth, trouble in breathing, turns blue or becomes unconscious, goes into shock. The insects that usually cause such reactions are bees, wasps, some spiders, scorpions. Do NOT give the person any medications, aspirins, painkillers, nothing without a doctor prescription. Do NOT apply tourniquets. Prevention is the best thing to be done. Avoid provoking insects or doing sudden movements around them or their nests, floral perfumes (they attract bees), dark clothes, don’t leave sweet food in an open garbage can (they also attract bees).
Be careful about insects, especially scorpions hidden in clothes and shoes. If someone is severely allergic to insect bites and stings, is advisable to carry an emergency kit (prescribed by a doctor). Wear a medical ID bracelet or dog tag, as those used by soldiers.
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