For many people, insect stings are almost similar to distracting flies, but for others, they may jeopardize their lives. Excessive pain and swelling after an insect sting are enough to tell you that you have Duluth stinging insect allergy and require urgent treatment to prevent life-threatening complications in the future.
Signature symptoms of stinging insect allergies
Many people fear insects, while others avoid them due to their allergies. An allergist is a professional who can distinguish between a normal reaction from an allergic reaction, thus preventing unnecessary medical visits and reducing anxiety. Many people visit emergency rooms due to stinging insect allergies, and while some may be mild, others can be life-threatening. Most people experience itchiness, swelling, redness, and pain localized to the sting area. If you have allergies, the symptoms might be more severe. For instance, after coming into contact with a bee, your swelling may extend from your foot up your leg. Stinging ants can result in a blister that may break, increasing your risk for infection and scarring. Severe stinging insect allergies may result in chest tightness, trouble breathing, nausea, diarrhea, and a hoarse voice, and anaphylaxis may result in a sharp drop in blood pressure, resulting in shock and potentially causing death. If you have already experienced a stinging insect allergic reaction, you have a high chance of having a similar or worse reaction after being stung again.
How doctors diagnose stinging insect allergies
If you often have severe allergic reactions to insect stings, you may need to see an allergist. Your provider may review your medical history, discuss your response to previous stings and perform several tests, including blood tests, intradermal skin tests, and skin-prick tests. During a skin-prick test, your physician places a solution containing the insect venom on your skin and pricks it with a small probe to allow the liquid into your skin. You may have an allergy if you develop a reddish spot within 20 minutes. If the test results are inconclusive or negative, the allergist may suggest an intradermal skin test, which involves injecting the insect venom into your skin. If intradermal and skin-prick tests, they may recommend a blood test. Your blood or skin test results do not indicate how severe your symptoms will be after an insect sting.
Treatments for stinging insect allergies
Your treatment will rely on the severity of your allergy. While avoiding insects is the most effective way of preventing allergies, it may be difficult since insects are everywhere. The Allergy and Asthma Institute team, LLC, may recommend bringing your epinephrine pen for emergencies. After an insect sting, you may inject epinephrine to stop an allergic reaction, and you may need to use two injections for severe allergies. While epinephrine may prevent most symptoms, you need t visit the nearest emergency room for additional treatment. Another sure way of preventing stinging insect allergic reactions is venom immunotherapy, which desensitizes your immune system.
Call the facility or book an appointment online if you need comprehensive care from the reliable allergists at Allergy and Asthma Institute, LLC.
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