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Treatment
Some reactions cause trouble breathing. In this case, call for emergency medical help.
Treatment may include:
- Epinephrine —injected immediately in the event of a severe, life-threatening insect sting allergy (anaphylaxis)
- Antihistamine medications—to decrease swelling and itching
- Ice—applied to local area of sting or bite to decrease swelling
- Corticosteroid medications—for more severe swelling, itching, nasal congestion, and sneezing
- Bronchodilators—inhalers that can be used to decrease asthma -like symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath
- Venom immunotherapy—a series of allergy shots to gradually desensitize you to insect stings; usually for honeybees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, or fire ants
If you are diagnosed with a reaction to an insect bite or sting, follow your doctor's instructions .
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.