If an insect bites yousuch as a bee, wasp, or hornet, may be necessary rush to the hospital. In general, an insect bite causes a slight and normal redness, followed by swelling and an annoying itch. In allergic people, however, an insect bite can have very serious health consequences. In this case it will be better to go to the hospital immediately, to avoid the worst.
If this insect bites you: run to the hospital!
In summer, insect bites are inevitable. In most cases, however, a sting has minimal effects, such as a little swelling, slight redness and itching. There are allergic people, however, who know well how an insect bite can turn into a rush to the hospital.
The insects in question are bees, wasps and hornets which, unlike mosquitoes or ticks, tend to sting for defense. If in a normal subject their aggression ends with immediate pain, a slight irritation, swelling and itching that disappear in a few days, the same cannot be said of those who are susceptible to their allergens.
In these cases the consequences can be more or less serious. While not common, it can happen that a person has to be bitten by an insect rush to the hospital.
If an insect bites you: symptoms and reactions
The most common reaction to a sting from a bee, a wasp or a hornet causes, as mentioned, redness, swelling and itching in the area affected by the attack of the insect. After two or at most three days these symptoms go away on their own. Sometimes it can happen that the swollen area enlarges up to about 5 centimeters and gets worse in the first 48 hours. You will not have to get overwhelmed by anxiety, because later about ten days the sting will heal on its own.
Some reactions to an insect bite, if they do not lead to the hospital, can still cause unpleasant consequences, such as a ‘hives and swelling of the lips and face. If the lower part of the throat swells, it could involve the larynx, resulting in it breathing difficulties, cough and hoarse voice.
Finally, in severe cases a stinging insect can cause a pressure drop, loss of consciousness and anaphylactic shock in allergic subjects. In these cases it will be essential to go to the hospital immediately.
When to go to the hospital?
If you get stung by an insect, be it a wasp, a bee and a hornet, and they manifest any of the following symptoms, then you will need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Dyspnoea, hoarseness, difficulty in breathing
- Vomiting, nausea or diarrhea
- Tachycardia
- Dizziness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Anxiety, confusion, or agitation