Doctors Confirm Some Allergic Reactions to Bites can be Fatal
In the northern parts of Florida, running into pest insects is in no way an uncommon occurrence, and insect allergies are just as frequent. The most common insects that cause allergic reactions to bites in this part of the state include the hornet, wasp, honey bee, bumble bee, yellow jacket, and the fire ant.
A normal reaction for those that don’t have any allergies is mild swelling and redness at the site of the bites or stings, and little is needed to manage those reactions. Large local reactions are different, and may also be confused with allergic reactions.
Large local reactions are characterized by redness and swelling, not only at the site of the sting but also extending to the surrounding area. Reactions like this typically peak within one or two days of the sting before resolving over the next few days but can last long as ten days.
The symptoms can be generally improved by antihistamines, and some individuals may be best treated by a short course of steroids such as prednisone.
A systemic allergic reaction, also classified as anaphylaxis, is characterized by acutely reduced blood pressure plus skin or mucosal reactions, gastrointestinal symptoms, and or respiratory symptoms.
And now, according to research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, about fifty recognized fatalities occur each year in the U.S. due to allergic reactions to insect stings, and some unexplained deaths may also be due to these reactions.
This news further drives home the need for you to take care of any infestations on your property quickly with the help of a professional, clean exterminator.
