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Bites and Stings.

You have been treated for a Bite and/or Sting. You have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following will aid your recovery.

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First Aid

Most insect bites and nettle stings cause only local reddening, itching and swelling. Where painful, simple analgesia such as paracetamol can be taken, as can an antihistamine to reduce the swelling and itching.

Stings to the Mouth

Although painful, these don’t generally require more than first aid treatment.

However, on occasions, a sting inside the mouth may cause so much swelling that they interfere with breathing or swallowing. If this occurs seek medical help urgently.

Anaphylactic Shock

Occasionally, breathing difficulties or signs of shock such as pallor, faintness, shallow rapid pulse and sweating, follow a bite or sting. Such a severe allergic reaction, known as ‘Anaphylactic Shock’, usually occurs only in people who have been stung previously and become hypersensitive.

Treat the shock, get medical help immediately.

Treatment

On arrival at the Emergency Department:

Very little treatment is required, if any, for minor bites or stings
If still present, the sting will be removed
Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent any spread of the infection, depending on the severity of the bite or sting
Upon discharge, you may find applying an antihistamine cream helps. These can be purchased from a local chemist and are not stocked in the Emergency Department.

You also may be given a follow-up appointment, if need be, for the doctor to check on any further complications occurring.

Any patients taking antihistamine tablets are advised not to drive or operate machinery, as these tablets will cause drowsiness.

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Bites and Stings.