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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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September 23, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Stings Are Unkind Things
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
As I pulled into my
driveway, a mad “crazed” yellow jacket flew into my car window and
zapped me on the forearm! Yeowch! The strange part is that all summer, I
have been walking by them in the flower beds, and none has “approached”
me. But, for whatever reason, that yellow jacket launched itself on me,
and I wasn't even near it! At this time of the year, there are many
outdoor activities and festivals that attract stinging insects. For the
most part, stings are inconveniences and cause “bearable” pain. However,
for some, an insect bite can be life threatening.
Most sting reactions are caused be five types of insects which include
yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants. Be
watchful for nests and teach young children to stay away from them.
Because these insects are territorial, try to avoid areas in which a
nest exists. Nests can look deserted due to low activity times.
Depending on the type of stinging insect, nests can be located
underground but can also be found in walls or woodpiles. Honeybees may
live in man-made combs or in hollow trees or other protected holes such
as fence posts or old tires. Paper wasp nests are also paper-like, and
found under leaves, behind shutters or in shrubs or woodpiles. Hornets
nests are gray or brown, football shaped and may be found high above the
ground in trees, in shrubbery or gables of houses.
There are three types of reactions to sting/bites. They are: NORMAL ,
TOXIC, OR ALLERGIC. NORMAL reactions include pain, redness, swelling,
itching, and warmth at the site of the sting. These symptoms may be
quite severe and last for a few hours. As long as they are confined to
the area of the sting, there is no danger. TOXIC (poisonous) reactions
can happen after multiple stings. Ten or more stings within a short time
period can cause toxicity. Symptoms are discomfort, headache, muscle
cramps, fever, and drowsiness. There are two types of ALLERGIC
reactions. Local allergic will involve swelling, severe itching at the
site, and possibly a few hives. A systemic allergic reaction can be life
threatening. The reaction can affect any body part in addition to the
portion that is stung. Symptoms include hives, swelling in distant
areas, sneezing, chest constriction, abdominal pain, dizziness, and
nausea. More severe reactions may include difficulty in swallowing and
breathing, hoarseness, thickened speech, weakness and confusion. This
can lead to a closing of the airway and shock in which the person turns
bluish, may collapse, and/or become unconscious. Most systemic allergic
reactions begin within 10-20 minutes after the sting.
Allergic or toxic reactions require immediate medical intervention.
Persons who know they are allergic to stings may carry their own
medication for emergencies. For non-allergic stings, you can elevate the
sting area, apply a cold compress, and use a topical steroid ointment or
oral histamine to relieve itching. (If stung by a honeybee, you should
gently remove the stinger and venom sac, taking care not to squeeze it.)
If the swelling gets worse or the site infected, see your doctor.
To prevent stings: Avoid nest areas; trim hedges in late evenings or on
cool, overcast days; Wear shoes outdoors; Avoid orchards when fruit is
fermenting; Don't wear aftershave or colognes outdoors; Move away from
stinging insects slowly; Wear white or light colors outdoors.
Stinging insects can be a real nuisance at picnics. Many years ago,
someone told us of this trick. Take a piece of fish dipped in honey and
tie it in a tree near your outdoor event. Place a bucket of soapy water
under it. They recommended that you start this process a few days before
your event, but this might attract larger pests, like raccoons and
bears! However, you could try this shortly before and during the event.
(At a recent family event, it seemed like the bees were going for the
shrimp. I took some shrimp and placed it on the lawn away from the food
table. It helped to attract the bees away from the table, especially
when the rest of the shrimp was gone!)
For written information about stinging insects District residents can
call QVHD, 248-4528 or request on-line (contact us) at
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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