Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Symptoms of Stings, insect

When you are stung by an insect such as a wasp, the area around the sting will swell up and go red and a raised mark (weal) will form. It will be quite painful and itchy. This will last for approximately 48 hours.

If you have a localised allergic reaction to the sting, a larger area around the sting will swell up and the swelling will last longer but should go down in a few days.

Symptoms will be more severe if you are stung many times by one or more insects. This is because of the amount of venom they have injected into your skin.

If you experience swelling or itching anywhere else on the body immediately after being stung, wheezing, headache, feeling sick, fast heart rate, feeling faint, difficulty swallowing, or a swollen face or mouth, you may need emergency treatment. Call 999 for an ambulance immediately as you may be having a generalised allergic reaction and this can be fatal.

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