I am allergic to wasps, bees, hornets, fire ants, ect. I never knew this until about less than a week ago. I got stung by a wasp, or hornet, I don't know which, and I went to the hopital with tons of hives. It was bad. The doctor said if I get stung by another again I might faint. I've been stung by fire ants, as many kids have, and I just have been stung by wasps twice. I'm 11 going on 12. Is it normal to find out this late? Or for it to be that bad on my first reaction? Or what? Is this all normal? I don't know and I wanted to know. Please... please answer.
2007-07-19 02:39:20 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Allergies
Allergies are strange. You can be fine one day and the next day be horribly allergic to something. They (medical community) doesn't really know why this happens.
I, too, am very allergic, just like you. I suggest that you carry some Benadryl with you at all times (http://www.benadrylusa.com). Benadryl is an antihistamine and will keep the inflammation and hives in check. Take it right after you're bitten. You want to keep it with you because you don't want to be hunting for it when you've been bitten! The quicker you take it, the faster you will be able to hold off the reaction.
Don't drive after you've taken it, it can make people drowsy.
2007-07-19 04:06:15 · answer #1 · answered by kathkeating 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people with insect venom allergies do NOT have a reaction with their first few stings. I was stung many times as a child, then developed a reaction to wasp venom at age 15.
About 1% of people are allergic to some type of insect venom. Very few people are allergic to ALL insect venom, and these people are usually allergic not to the venom, but to a "spreading agent" in the venom that helps the venom spread throughout your body faster.
So you may allergic to wasps, but not to bees or fire ants. But if you are stung or bitten by ANYTHING, let an adult know right away.
It would be a very good idea to ask your doctor for an Epi-Pen. This is epinephrine (adrenaline) that you inject into yourself to prevent an anaphylactic reaction if you are stung again. Anaphylactic reactions may be deadly because they cause you to stop breathing. The Epi-Pen will keep your airway passages open until you can get to an emergency room for more treatment.
You, and your parents, may read about insect venom allergies at http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthinfo/i/insectallergy.htm
2007-07-19 03:48:39 · answer #2 · answered by july 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Allergic reactions to insect stings can be very dangerous, and do not rely on Benadryl alone to feel better, because it won't keep you from fainting or having trouble breathing -- it will only help decrease itching and hives. It is important to have an Epi-pen because epinephrine can save your life if you have a severe reaction.
Please have your parents take you to an allergist. An allergist can test to find out what kinds of stinging insects you are allergic to. They can also help make sure that you know how to stay safe, and what to do if you get stung again.
2007-07-19 05:40:08 · answer #3 · answered by boffo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may develop an allergic reaction to stings. Sometimes this happens because of previous stings. If your reaction is serious enough it could be a lot worse than just fainting. It is normal for people to develop an allergy much later than 12 years old. You need to be careful when you are outside. However you do not need to hide or stay inside for the rest of your life. Just watch where you are going and don't panic if you see a wasp or bee. They will not attack you unless you are messing with their nest and they think you are a danger to them. Their stingers are their defense.
2007-07-19 02:45:15 · answer #4 · answered by lestermount 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds a normal response for someone with an allergy. It is quite common to be allergic to stings and some people
need to have an injection to counteract the effects of the sting. Some people have worse reactions than others it just depends on the person.
The main thing is you know now so if it happened again you know what to do
2007-07-19 02:49:06 · answer #5 · answered by Lynn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's normal to find out at just about any time that you have a new allergy.
You do sound like you have a very nasty allergy. Hopefully the doctor showed you how to use an epi-pen, because I think you will need it.
Good luck!
2007-07-19 03:24:02 · answer #6 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋