Bug Bites and Stings (cont.)
When is medical attention needed?
Most bites and stings are minor and can be
treated at home. But you should seek medical attention if you experience the
following symptoms:
Signs of allergic reaction: Some people can experience anaphylaxis, a severe,
life-threatening allergic reaction. This is a medical emergency that warrants
calling 9-1-1 immediately. Signs of an allergic reaction, which may occur within
seconds to minutes, include sneezing, wheezing, hives, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, sudden anxiety, dizziness, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and
itching or swelling of the eyes, lips, or other areas of the face. If you or
your child has ever had an allergic reaction to a sting or bite, you should be
evaluated by an allergist. In some cases, you may be advised to wear a medical
identification tag that states the allergy, and to carry epinephrine, a
medication used to treat serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.
Sometimes allergy shots may also be recommended.
Symptoms of Lyme disease: Lyme disease, which is transmitted through the bite
of an infected tick, can cause fever, headaches, fatigue, and a skin rash that
looks like a circular red patch, or "bull's-eye." Left untreated, infection can
spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. It is rarely, if ever, fatal.
Patients who are treated with antibiotics in the early stages of the infection
usually recover rapidly and completely. Antibiotics commonly used for oral
treatment include doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin).
People with certain illnesses related to the heart or the nervous system require
intravenous treatment with drugs such as ceftriaxone or penicillin.
Symptoms of West Nile virus: West Nile virus, which is transmitted by
infected mosquitoes, can produce flu-like symptoms including fever, headache,
body aches, and skin rash. While most infected individuals have mild disease and
recover spontaneously, infection can be serious or even fatal. There is no
specific treatment for West Nile virus.
Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Initial symptoms may include fever,
nausea, vomiting, severe headache, muscle pain, and lack of appetite. The
characteristic red, spotted rash of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is usually not
seen until the sixth day or later after symptoms begin. But as many as 10
percent to 15 percent of patients may never develop a rash. Rocky Mountain
spotted fever is treated with antibiotics.
Signs of infection: It is normal for a bite or sting to result in redness of
the affected area and minor swelling. But if a bite or sting becomes infected, a
fever may develop or the redness or soreness may worsen. In cases of infection,
an antibiotic is the typical treatment.
For More Information
Beware of Ticks...& Lyme Disease
www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/lymedisease062707.html
West Nile Virus
www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/westnile.html
Updated Information Regarding Insect Repellents
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/repellentupdates.htm
Insect Repellent Use and Safety in Children
www.fda.gov/cder/emergency/repellants.htm
Spider Bites
www.umm.edu/non_trauma/spider.htm
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, http://www.fda.gov
Last Editorial Review: 6/19/2008
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