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Ant Bites &
Stings
Overview:
There are
hundreds of species of ants found throughout the
world. All ants are capable of biting, some are
also able to sting, and this sting contains
venom. The fire ant is a well known species of
ant that bites & stings.
Just like bees
& wasps, the venom in ant stings can cause
anaphylaxis in certain individuals. When a
person is stung, the body produces histamine. In
most cases an ant sting will result in a local
reaction to the sting such as intense pain,
redness, itching & a small wheal (raised bump)
in the area of the sting, others may have a more
severe reaction such as swelling of the entire
limb. Some individuals can have what is known as
an anaphylactic reaction to ant stings. This
occurs when the body has a severe allergic
reaction to the venom in a bee sting. It causes
swelling of the airways, difficulty breathing &
a drop in blood pressure. Anaphylaxis is life
threatening.
How to treat an ant bite or sting:
-
Wash the area
with soap & water.
-
Apply a cool
compress or ice to the area to reduce pain &
swelling.
-
Use
acetaminophen to relieve pain & discomfort
(if needed).
-
Antihistamines
may also be useful if there is severe
itching. Speak to your chemist or doctor
first.
Emergency procedures:
-
Watch
carefully for signs of anaphylaxis
including; dizziness, fainting, swollen
eyelids, itching (in areas other than the
sting), difficulty talking (due to swollen
tongue), difficulty breathing. If any signs
occur, call an emergency immediately.
-
If a person is
stung on the neck or mouth seek medical help
immediately.
-
If it is known
the patient is anaphylactic, check that they
are carrying an EpiPen. People with known
allergic reactions to bee stings should
carry an EpiPen. This pen contains
adrenaline & is injected into muscle.
Emergency can advise on how to administer
this. Even after using an EpiPen, medical
help should still be sought as the effects
can wear off quickly.
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a
doctor visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate medical advice for any problems.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages.
If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice.
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