Prepare for the worst and know when you should head to the ER.
As the weather warms, there are more opportunities to head outside. But enjoying the great outdoors presents health risks, such as bees working to collect pollen and snakes coming out from their winter burrows. Whether your outdoor plans involve long hikes or just time in the backyard, you need to know what to do if faced with an emergency bite or sting.
MOST STINGS ARE MINOR
If you’re stung by a bee, remove the stinger by flicking or scraping off the stinger, rather than pinching the area. Bees leave a venom pouch which contracts for about 20 to 30 seconds. When you pinch the stinger area, it injects the venom, whereas quickly flicking or scraping off the stinger limits the amount of venom that can enter the body. An ice pack can help reduce swelling.
WHAT ABOUT ANAPHYLAXIS?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. In some people, this reaction is caused by ingesting certain foods like peanuts, being exposed to latex, taking certain medications or being stung by an insect. If you or a family member has severe allergies to foods, insects, or other materials, it’s important to carry an epinephrine injector at all times.
If an insect sting happens, go to an emergency room immediately if you experience or witness the following symptoms of anaphylaxis:
•Difficulty breathing
•Dizziness
•Hives
•Nausea or stomach cramps
•Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
SNAKE VENOM CAN KILL
Snakes really don’t like to bite people, contrary to public opinion. If you see one and back away, it’s unlikely to chase you. But if you are bitten, immediately go to an emergency room or call 9-1-1.
Do not try to trap the snake, tourniquet the limb or suck the venom out, like you see in themovies. Keep the bite below the heart, if feasible, until medical help arrives. And watch out for your pets, too — their smaller size makes snake bites more dangerous.
When does an allergic reaction merit a trip to the ER? Generally, if two or more body systems (skin, digestive, respiratory or cardiovascular system) are affected, call 9-1-1 or go to the ER. An example? A slight throat tightness (respiratory system) with a rapid heartbeat (cardiovascular system).
Lower Bucks Hospital is located at 501 Bath Road, Bristol, PA. To contact by phone, call 215-785-9200. For more information, visit www.lowerbuckshosp.com.