He was bitten on his fingers this afternoon by some red or black ants and his fingers are starting to swell. We have some antibiotics and he has taken some. Should I take him to the ER? If we go it will be at least a 4 hr wait. What can I do for him in the meantime? Any info would be appreciated.
2006-08-15 15:27:48 · 32 answers · asked by browneyedcutie 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Give him some pain killers and put some wet (from water) baking soda on the bites.
No need to take him to the ER, that would be a uge waste of time and money.
When ants bite, they leave formic acid, and baking soda neutralizes the acid.
2006-08-15 15:30:59 · answer #1 · answered by NecropolisXR 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor for a specific infection. An ant bite causes an allergic reaction which causes the tissue to become swollen. Unless your husband is having trouble breathing, chest pain, becoming faint, nauseated, then it is most likely a local reaction. If any of the other symptoms are present then the emergency room would be a good choice to seek treatment.
Treat the symptoms. A good antihistamine, such as Benadryl, check the box for the proper dosage and an over the counter pain medicine. An Ibuprofen type analgesic such as Motin, or Advil would help with the swelling. The swelling should decrease in the days ahead.
If you are still unsure about this ant bite, make an appointment with the doctor tommorow or go to a medical clinic. The emergency room is for emergency treatment.
2006-08-15 15:56:53 · answer #2 · answered by Perri L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I had an allergic reaction, I was told by my doctor to take Benadryl according to the package directions and wait. If I had trouble breathing AT ALL, to call 911. Otherwise, all you can do is wait until his body has had time to clear out the toxins. It took me 3 days before I could even wear shoes again! My swelling was pretty severe, but I never had breathing problems. My husband was stung by a bee & the lymph node closest to the sting swelled up....He did the same thing, and only about an hour later, the swelling started going down. Good luck.
2006-08-15 15:47:02 · answer #3 · answered by abbeylehman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give him some benadryl incase he is having an allergic reaction to the ant bites. 50mg should be good enough to stop any itching or rashes, and also help incase he is allergic. try putting some ice on his fingers where he was bitten to reduce the swelling. the antibiotics arent going to do anything as far as reducing his symptoms and making him more comfortable. the benadryl will do that. if he is itching anywhere then maybe some calamine lotion applied to the itching site will help him feel comfortable as well.
i would say that if his fingers dont stop swelling after giving him benadryl (give it about 1-2 hours for the drug to take effect) then go to the ER.
2006-08-15 15:33:41 · answer #4 · answered by stascia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What on earth was taking anti-biotics going to do for him? Further more, why do you have extra antibiotics laying around? You do realize that by not taking the full course of antibiotics you are creating legons of super-germs that are antibiotic resistant. Not a good idea.
If you are concerned take him to the ER and listen VERY carefully to what the doctor says. Doctors dont make up instructions to go with medications or whatever for the fun of it!
2006-08-15 18:41:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Red ants are poisonous. I would take him in. I'm not sure how sick he could get but I wouldn't take the chance. Try giving him an antihistamine like Benadryl in case it's an allergic reaction too. Do you have a health line number you can call like we do in Canada? Where nurses advise you? That service has saved me a lot of grief on many occasions. Do some research on the internet here and see what it turns up if you aren't planning on going in right away.
2006-08-15 15:35:54 · answer #6 · answered by EVE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get some Benedryl. If he weighs over 200 give him 2 pills. This will make him drowsey but it should take care of the itching and swelling. If he is short of breath take him to the ER. If you tell him he's having an allergic reaction to an insect bite they'll get him right on in...Good luck! Hope he's feeling better soon.
2006-08-15 15:32:31 · answer #7 · answered by buzzbait0u812 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The swelling is probably his body's reaction to the bites...unless he is starting to have fevers or other more serious symptoms, I suggest give it some time and at the mean time put a lot of caladryl or some kind of cream that will ease the pain or itchiness. Soaking the finger/hand in cold water helps as well.
2006-08-15 15:32:19 · answer #8 · answered by Beachy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have him take a benadryl or any histamine blocker, it will help with the pain and swelling. Antibiotics will not help because he does not have an infection. Elevate his hand and apply ice, this will also help with swelling. If he has trouble breathing, becomes light headed or the swelling spreads, go to the ER.
2006-08-15 15:31:46 · answer #9 · answered by cathcoug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should go to the ER. Not everybody has to wait 4 hours there. If you have antihistamine like Benadryl, that would be helpful. It could get lots worse, and you won't get any sleep worrying about it. I'd say go to the ER, unless you can find a late-night clinic, or Prompt Care center.
2006-08-15 15:34:15 · answer #10 · answered by mia2kl2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋