What should you know about bug bite anaphylaxis?

A local red, itchy, swollen area is common after a bite or sting and does not by itself indicate anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can involve widespread hives, swelling of the lips or tongue, throat tightness, Wheezing, trouble breathing, dizziness, collapse, vomiting, or sudden marked weakness. Symptoms can progress quickly and may appear in more than one body system. A person can have a severe reaction even without a large skin rash.

Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if one has been prescribed, following its instructions, then call emergency services. Lay the person flat with legs raised if possible; allow someone struggling to breathe to sit with support. Do not make them walk, and do not give food or drink. If the insect is still attached, remove a bee stinger by scraping it away when feasible, without delaying emergency care. A clinician may provide Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment and observation.

Call for emergency help at once for breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, confusion, collapse, or rapidly spreading symptoms after a bite or sting. Symptoms may return after an initial improvement, so medical observation is needed even when the person feels better. A second prescribed injector may be needed if symptoms persist while help is on the way, according to the emergency plan.

Ask whether the reaction needs Allergy Testing, how to use and replace your auto-injector, and which bites or stings to avoid. Request a written emergency plan and discuss when close contacts should give the injector.