Probably every adult has experienced a wasp sting at least once in his life. But what to do in this case, what you should pay attention to Special attention and how to act in a situation that threatens the development of anaphylactic shock - few people know about this.

In the vast majority of cases, a wasp sting leads to unpleasant, but not very dangerous consequences. If you are bitten by a wasp, the sting site usually swells, hurts a lot, and later begins to itch. However, all these symptoms gradually disappear on their own after a few days - you don’t even have to do anything “special” to weaken their strength.

However, there are still situations where a wasp attack can be truly deadly. Of course, a lot here depends, firstly, on the type of wasp (not all of them sting the same), and secondly, on the sensitivity of the human body to the venom of this insect.

So, for some people, even the bites of “our” wasps (the so-called paper ones), not to mention some exotic species and, especially, hornets, can be fatal. Moreover, a person may not even know about his special susceptibility until the insect attack itself. That is why every adult needs to clearly understand what to do if bitten by a wasp - in exceptional cases, this knowledge will help save both their own life and the life of someone around them.

On a note

At the time of the bite or immediately after it, it is very important to be able to distinguish the wasp from other stinging and biting insects. This is significant, if only because, for example, first aid methods for wasp and bee stings are diametrically different in some respects. Therefore, even theoretically knowing what to do in such situations, in practice, due to incorrect identification of the insect, you can behave completely incorrectly. A mistake will lead to loss of time (for example, to searching for a sting in a wound) or the use of remedies that will only aggravate the situation. Therefore, no matter how painful it may be at the time of the bite, it is advisable to take a good look at the offender before reflexively brushing it off the body. The wasp is a slender, fairly light-colored insect with a small number of hairs on the body, while the bee is more dense, with a densely pubescent body surface.

Photo of a paper wasp:

And here is a photo of a honey bee:

As you can see, these insects are quite different from each other.

The danger of wasp bites: why it is so important to take action in time

Before we talk directly about what needs to be done if bitten by a wasp, let's first find out what threats the attack of this insect may pose.

So, the usual consequences of wasp stings are:

• acute pain at the sting site;
• rapidly developing swelling of soft tissues;
• itching at the site of the bite;
• redness of the body, increased temperature in the inflamed area.

Some symptoms may reach their peak within a day or two after the bite, and then gradually disappear without a trace. This body response to a wasp sting is absolutely natural and normal.

Another thing is when the victim begins to develop a generalized allergic reaction after a bite. In its simplest form, it leads to the appearance of so-called serum sickness (the body's immune response to a foreign substance), accompanied by fever, nausea, and pain in the head and abdomen. These symptoms do not appear immediately, but with some delay - in contrast to the redness of the affected area and extensive swelling, which do not keep you waiting.

However, the most dangerous possible consequences of an allergy after a wasp sting are not the above body reactions, but Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock. The first can lead to obstruction of the larynx and subsequent asphyxia, and the second, in 12-15% of cases, ends in death due to cardiac arrest or impaired lung function.

It is worth noting that such reactions to wasp stings happen, fortunately, quite rarely, but if they develop, it happens so quickly that stopping them requires taking the necessary first aid measures very quickly - delay here is truly life-threatening.

On a note

Anaphylactic shock usually develops within 5-30 minutes after the bite. However, there are cases where seconds counted. Therefore, if a person knows about his susceptibility to insect bites, it makes sense for him to always carry an auto-injector with adrenaline (epinephrine), which in an emergency can save a life.

In addition, a situation when a person is bitten not by one, but by a whole group of wasps of 5-10 or more insects can be very dangerous.

In this case, even a victim who is not susceptible to the poison develops general intoxication, and sometimes even subcutaneous and internal hemorrhages can be observed.

Situations are even more dangerous when a person becomes a victim of an attack by many hornets - these wasp-like insects are larger in size and inject more poison into the wound in one bite.

“At that time I had no idea what to do if I was bitten by wasps. When I was bitten by five wasps at once at a picnic (I went to the toilet in the bushes and stepped right on their nest), I simply anointed myself with a soothing ointment and drank cognac. In short, they brought me to the hospital already unconscious; I opened my eyes from swelling only the next day. Huge bruises appeared at the sites of the bites, my whole body was swollen, my temperature was high and I was constantly getting it down. I was in the hospital for three days, then at home for another week, the doctor came to see me and gave me injections. We didn’t have a very good rest.”

Irina, Volgograd

First actions after a wasp sting

The first thing to do if you are bitten by a wasp is not to panic and calm down. Even if you know that you or a loved one have a dangerous allergy, there should be no room for panic and fuss, as this will only cause harm in such a situation.

In the most common case, after a wasp sting you should:

• try to suck out the poison from the wound;
• apply to the bite site any product containing acid - this could be a piece of apple, a slice of orange or lemon, which will help neutralize part of the poison in the wound that has not yet healed;
• then apply any cold object to the damaged area - meat from the freezer, cold metal, or, ideally, an ice pack.

After this, you can take a Suprastin tablet - this drug in some cases can block the development of allergies at the root and thereby prevent a possible severe response of the body. That is why this should be done as early as possible.

One more important point First aid after a wasp sting is antibacterial treatment of the damaged area - this is especially true if the wasp has bitten a child. In almost 100% of cases, injured children scratch the bite site due to severe itching and can introduce some kind of infection into the wound.

To avoid this, the bite must be treated with any available antiseptic - brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, and if none of this is at hand in nature, then you can use regular vodka. But taking alcohol internally – even for the purpose of “prevention” – is strictly prohibited.

The situation when a stung person is known to be highly sensitive to insect venom deserves a separate discussion. As a rule, such people always have an auto-injector with them (it was already mentioned above), but it also happens that a victim of a wasp sting gets lost and cannot immediately understand what to do - he begins to panic. That is why knowing how to use this item will be useful for any adult.

So, in a critical situation, the bite victim needs to be given medicine(usually this is adrenaline), and this needs to be done as quickly as possible, sometimes minutes count. To do this, remove the cap from the device, then the injector is pressed firmly against the middle part of the outer surface of the victim’s thigh with the specially marked side and the injection is given for 5 seconds. In such situations, you can inject directly through clothing without wasting precious time removing it.

Preparations and folk remedies for treating wasp bites, rules for their use

Now let's figure out what to do after first aid. First, you need to apply a compress to the wasp bite. Its essence is to slow down the blood flow, and with it the spread of poison throughout the body, so the sooner the compress is used, the more effective its effect will be.

As a rule, such a bandage is applied for 30-50 minutes, after which it is removed, and the wasp bite is treated by special means, helping to relieve itching and pain, as well as reduce the severity of inflammation.

As an option, the bite site can be treated before applying a compress. For example, in the case when the means for treating a bite are right at hand, they can be used first - nothing bad will happen. If you need to look for them for a long time, then it is better to apply a compress during this time - the only important thing is not to leave the bite completely unattended.

Some of the most famous and quite effective pharmaceuticals used after the bites of wasps and other insects today are:

• Fenistil gel, which reduces itching and pain, as well as inhibits the development of inflammation and reduces the risk of developing allergies;
  
• Insectline is an imported product that has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and also reduces pain;
• Menovazin is a relatively inexpensive anesthetic that relieves pain and itching;
  
• Gardex Family and Gardex Baby are mild in their action, but effective drugs for treating bite sites in adults and children;
• Soventol is a fairly good pain relieving ointment;
  
• Advantan is a powerful gel that inhibits the development of an allergic reaction.
  

However, there are also a number of time-tested folk remedies for wasp bites. So, for example, after an insect attack, you can apply the following to the sting site:

• chopped parsley root;
• a slice of lemon;
• cut clove of garlic or piece of onion;
• plantain leaf;
• gauze soaked in natural essential oil.

Of course, in modern world preference is given to treating the bite site with specialized balms and ointments. However, and traditional medicine Don’t discount it: if you’ve been bitten by a wasp, you can also do what our grandmothers did in their time – at least as a backup or emergency option.

Mistakes you shouldn't make

Knowing what to do if bitten by a wasp is certainly very important. However, it is equally important to understand what you absolutely cannot do. Often, even inaction leads to less pronounced problems than incorrect behavior, which can result in serious complications.

Let's take a closer look at what you shouldn't do when a wasp bites you:

1. There is no need to look for a sting - wasps never leave it in the wound. This action will only lead to a pointless waste of precious time.
   
2. You should not try to squeeze out the poison. This helps to increase blood circulation at the site of the wasp sting and, accordingly, increase the speed of spread of its poison.
3. It is dangerous to scratch or pick at the bite - this can introduce an infection into the wound, which will significantly complicate the healing process.
4. It is fraught with applying earth to the wound or lowering it into dirty water in order to cool the bite site - these actions are also highly likely to lead to infection (sometimes much more dangerous than the bite itself).
5. It is prohibited to independently “prescribe” powerful antihistamines without reliable signs of a developing allergy. Instead of the rather strong Loratadine and Diphenhydramine, you should take a Suprastin tablet.
6. There is no point in limiting yourself to drinking to prevent swelling, as some people think. When a wasp bites, the development of the tumor does not depend on the amount of liquid drunk - here, on the contrary, drinking plenty of fluids will help reduce the symptoms of intoxication.
   

“Thank you for the advice, but it looks like it didn’t work out. I’m generally allergic, so I played it safe and after the bite I immediately ran home and drank Suprastin. Plus the pain, plus the heat, in general, I felt very bad for the remaining half of the day and night, I was generally broken. Today there is a lump at the site of the bite, but it doesn’t really hurt, it just itches. I think that without Suprastin at night I would have been much worse.”

Lisa, Moscow

Specifics of treating wasp bites in children

A wasp sting in a child always causes great concern among his parents. However, there is no need to do anything supernatural - the approach to treating a bite in children is practically no different from that in adults.

The only peculiarity is that children should not use the usual ointments and balms in such cases - it is better to use special children's products. Examples include:

• the already mentioned Gardex Baby, which can be used from 12 months;
• Rescue balm, approved at any age;
• Picnic Family for school age children;
• children's series of specialized Mosquitall products.

As a rule, in childhood, allergies to insect bites occur much less frequently than in adults. Wasp bites in children are sometimes simply enough to be antisepticized with alcohol or brilliant green, without using special balms and ointments. You can also apply the above folk remedies.

An equally important point for adults is to maintain their own calm and self-control, because the emotional state of children (especially very young ones) is largely determined by the state of their parents. Therefore, no matter how afraid you are for your baby, he should not feel your fear (you don’t want to develop insectophobia in him).

After a wasp sting, a parent needs to be able to calm their child and distract him with something. Fortunately, this is not so difficult to do - even with severe pain at the site of the bite, it is enough to apply something cold to it and, for example, tell the baby something “very important” so that he stops crying.

Adults also need to take care of the clothes of the injured child - they should not rub the area where the wasp sting occurred, as otherwise this can lead to increased swelling and pain.

How to prevent allergies and what to do if they appear

For people who have never previously experienced an acute reaction to wasp stings, it is enough to take Suprastin, which will prevent the development of an immune response already initial stage. If, after a wasp sting, hives appear all over the body, too much swelling, headache, nausea, heat, shortness of breath, confusion or vomiting, additional action must be taken urgently to prevent further development of the allergy.

The most the best option there will, of course, be a call to the ambulance for emergency consultation.

However, if for some reason this is not possible, you should take one tablet of Diphenhydramine, Loratadine or Prednisolone. If the condition of the bitten person continues to deteriorate, the person who has been bitten should be taken to the hospital immediately - otherwise the outcome can be fatal.

As mentioned above, allergy sufferers usually have a special auto-injector with them, which should be used immediately after a bite. How to do this is shown in the picture:

On a note

The above allergy medications should not be given to children. If a child develops appropriate symptoms, Erius syrup (Desloratadine) can be used.

One of the most dangerous is a wasp sting in the neck area - in a very acute reaction, swelling can block the airways. If the victim experiences whistling or wheezing breathing, you should try to insert a hollow tube into his throat, which will allow him to breathe as the swelling worsens. In exceptional cases, the bitten person may require a conicotomy - a dissection of the anterior wall of the throat at the junction of the neck and chest.

In case of massive wasp bites, a person may develop general intoxication of the body - this condition is also unsafe. To combat it, you should drink as much fluid as possible, take a 5-10% solution of calcium chloride and ascorbic acid. Activated carbon Unfortunately, it won't help here.

Be that as it may, the main thing to remember in case of a wasp sting is that if any symptoms appear that go beyond local inflammation and pain, you should definitely consult a doctor, at least by phone. And the sooner this is done, the less likely there will be any complications.

Useful video: first actions in case of a wasp sting, including in severe cases

The wasp is a hymenopteran predator that can get close to even an attentive adult unnoticed and deliver its stinging blow. A wasp sting is dangerous for both children and adults. Based on these considerations, it is necessary to understand in detail what the dangers of an insect bite are and what can be done to avoid sad consequences.

When there is danger and how to distinguish a wasp sting

A wonderful time, when the street is warm and the air is filled with the smell of flowers and ripe fruits, will be marked by the appearance of a huge number of wasps. July and August are the months when wasps are especially angry. Amazing flying insects do not have the noble ability of bees to die after being stung; wasps are capable of stinging several times in a row.

Bites different insects difficult to distinguish from each other. However, there are some features of a wasp sting, and knowing them will help you quickly distinguish a bite and help prevent unwanted consequences.

Distinctive features of a wasp bite:

• Extensive redness is visually noted around the affected area;
• In the center of the bite, you can identify a red dotted mark (from the sting), and there is swelling around the point of penetration of the sting;
• Main Feature wasp stings- no sting;
• In rare cases, local areas of swelling from the site of wasp penetration are noted;
• Initially, an intolerable itching appears, followed by a burning pain
• If the body suffers from a predisposition to allergic reactions, the development of giant edema, dizziness, and rashes over the entire surface of the body is possible.

Undesirable consequences of wasp stings

Expressiveness external manifestations directly depends on how sensitive a person is to wasp venom. Sensitivity can be acquired or congenital, but, unfortunately, no one can always be protected from insect attacks. A large dose causes severe intoxication of the body.

Important to remember! An allergic reaction almost never occurs with the first wasp stings. It is only possible with repeated attacks by insects. The immune system's response will be stronger with each new bite.

Signs of an immune system response to repeated wasp stings:

Cardiopalmus;

Headache and dizziness;

Increased body temperature for a short time;

Sometimes there is loss of consciousness.

In most cases, the general condition stabilizes quickly with timely medical care. In rare, unfortunate cases, anaphylactic shock develops.

The main manifestations of anaphylactic shock:

- 1st degree– the duration depends on the amount of antigen (venom) in the blood of the bitten person and the activity of the immune system response. Manifested by tachycardia, dizziness and headache, a general “broken” state;

- 2nd degree– characterized by the appearance of Quincke’s edema, a decrease in systolic blood pressure;

- 3rd degree– breathing is difficult, the overall picture of the surroundings is distorted, acute cardiovascular failure develops;

- 4th degree– acute failure of all body systems develops at lightning speed, up to collapse.

Instant help after a wasp sting

No matter who is bitten by an insect - an adult or a small child - immediate help should be given to prevent unwanted consequences.

To do this, you should follow clear sequential steps:

• Move away from the scene immediately. You should not attempt to kill a wasp, or even a whole swarm of wasps, this will only provoke a new attack of aggression in insects;
• A wasp's sting is not sterile, which means that during a sting it can introduce a huge amount of bacteria into the wound. After removal from the place where the insect attacked, the wound must be treated with cleansing pharmaceutical products. Special solutions include hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and chlorhexidine. In the absence of all of the above, water and soap (laundry soap) are perfect;
• The more the poison spreads throughout the body, the higher the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Therefore, if you are bitten on the upper or lower limb, form a tourniquet above the bite site using any available materials;
• To quickly remove toxins, infusion-transfusion therapy is needed, that is, a lot of fluid. The bitten person is obliged to drink a lot of sweet tea, just sweet water, fruit juice;
• The bite site is very itchy and painful, to reduce discomfort, cover the bitten part of the body with a bandage, and place cold on top - ice or something else;
• There will be swelling in the bite area in any case. You can eliminate its spread with the help of pharmacy assistants.

Ice on the bite site

Those who are hypersensitive to wasp venom should always carry antihistamines with them. Victims with allergic predispositions should take the above medications immediately after being stung, without waiting for unwanted signs of the seriousness of the situation to appear.

The first aid provided should not end there; after all the manipulations performed, the patient must be monitored. If the swelling at the site of the bite continues to increase, the pain and itching does not go away, and the patient begins to develop a fever, you should immediately go to the hospital.

The necessary pharmaceutical supplies may not always be at hand; in this case, grandmother’s advice comes to the rescue.

Some of them really provide quick help:

• Take fresh parsley and chop it. Squeeze out the juice from finely chopped greens, which should then be applied to the surface of the bite;
• Dandelion juice white perfectly relieves itching and inflammation. Gently rub the natural extract onto the bite area;
• Mint should be used in the same way as parsley. Spread the juice on the affected area;
• Wormwood helps relieve pain and swelling. Squeeze the juice from the plant and apply over the bite;
• Golden mustache tincture can be purchased at any pharmacy kiosk. Make compresses with the tincture immediately after discovering a bite;
• A Kalanchoe leaf will perfectly relieve incessant itching;
• If the bitten area begins to increase in size, make a mixture of pharmaceutical clay (blue or white), water and alcohol. Apply the resulting mixture to swollen skin.

What to do if you have a wasp bite on the tongue?

Important to remember! A wasp sting on the tongue is the most dangerous - it leads to suffocation and asphyxia!

How can a simple wasp sting cause death by suffocation? The fact is that after a bite, the tongue will gradually increase in size until it completely blocks the access to oxygen, and this will lead to suffocation. In this case, you should not try to help the victim yourself, do not self-medicate, you should urgently seek qualified help.

What to do if a wasp stings your hand?

According to doctors, a larger percentage of bites occur in the limbs. This can be considered the most harmless option of all. If you are stung by a wasp in the arm or leg, it is necessary to prevent the possibility of the poison spreading with reverse venous blood flow, that is, apply a tourniquet 10-15 cm above the wasp sting. At this time, begin treating the wound with antiseptics. To prevent swelling from increasing, immediately apply something cold, such as ice, to the bite site. The victim needs to drink an antiallergic drug (to avoid the body's immune response), for example, cetrin, loratadine, etc., and a large amount of liquid to quickly remove toxins from the blood plasma.

What to do if you have a wasp bite on the neck?

A bite to the neck is as dangerous as a bite to the tongue. Increasing swelling can cause suffocation.

Obvious signs indicating difficulty breathing in a stung person are wheezing, wheezing may appear, until the voice disappears. In this case, the victim must undergo a conicotomy or trachestomy (emergency medical care) - this is the intersection of the anterior wall of the cartilaginous rings of the trachea, below the thyroid gland, to penetrate the hollow tube and restore air access to the lungs. As with a wasp sting on the tongue, a sting on the neck cannot be treated on your own; you should immediately call an ambulance.

Is there any danger the next day after the bite?

It is difficult to answer unequivocally whether it is necessary to continue treatment the day after the bite. Firstly, carefully monitor the reaction of the bitten person, his well-being. Secondly, it all depends on the chosen treatment tactics.

In most cases, in adults, the inflammatory process, swelling and pain disappear several hours after the insect attack, leaving only a red dot - the point of penetration of the sting. In children and more sensitive adults, swelling can last for several days, or even more. In this case, if there is no critical condition, the victim should take antiallergic drugs 3 times a day for three days. Or continue taking the medications until the swelling goes away and the skin returns to its normal color.

In the event that the bitten person was urgently hospitalized with a diagnosis of “urticaria” or “Quincke’s edema”, after discharge one should strictly follow the doctor’s instructions, namely, administer antihistamines intravenously, then switch to the oral route of taking the medication.

Is the bite of buzzing predators good for the body?

Many optimists are trying to demonstrate that the venom of the Hymenoptera predator is almost identical in composition to bee venom. It is logical to assume that there is a benefit, because bee stings have long been recognized as beneficial, according to some doctors and supporters of “grandmother’s” recipes.

Remember! The number of allergens in wasp venom is many times higher than in bee venom!

Numerous beneficial substances of the poison, tonic and stimulating metabolic processes, have long been isolated from a natural source and are present in pharmaceutical preparations.

Wasp venom is a natural complex of biologically active substances that can cause severe intoxication. In addition to the fact that the victim is likely to develop an acute allergic reaction after repeated bites, there is always the possibility of infection. These are poisonous Hymenoptera insects often look for food in garbage dumps, in some cases they can eat carrion. That is why the sting that stabs a person is full of numerous bacteria. Needless to say, such a carrier of infection is simply not safe for human body. It can be considered a success if, after a wasp sting, purulent inflammation does not begin, since infectious agents enter the wound along with the poison.

A wasp sting is considered one of the most painful. The main unpleasant feature of a wasp sting is that this insect, unlike its relative the bee, can sting its opponent when attacked. This is primarily due to the fact that wasps are more irritable and vindictive, unlike bees.

Immediately after a wasp sting, a person feels severe pain at the site of the bite. In addition to pain, the bite usually swells and starts to itch a lot. The bite site turns red and swells. Secondary signs after a wasp sting will be considered elevated temperature, dizziness or headaches, nausea, vomiting, and convulsions may also occur.

The most dangerous areas for wasp bites are the face, eyes, and neck. If these areas are affected, the victim should be immediately taken to a medical facility for first aid. You should also immediately consult a doctor in case of an allergic reaction to the venom of wasps or other insects. The danger of an allergic reaction to a wasp sting is that in the absence of properly provided assistance, the patient may even die. Anaphylactic shock will also occur possible reason for a quick response and immediate hospitalization of the victim. Anaphylactic shock is considered the most severe reaction of the body, manifests itself extremely severely and is always carried out under the supervision of doctors.

So, the first thing to do after a bite is to try as quickly as possible. get away from the wasp attack. The reason for such actions is that the angry wasp will not be able to find and bite its offender several more times. All this must be done for human safety.

A wasp sting is an unforgettable moment. Anyone who has ever experienced her attack will definitely remember these sensations forever. Besides pain, the first thing that occurs in most people who are stung is panic. But this is the wrong reaction, and if you know what to do in this case and how to help yourself or another victim, you can avoid almost any complications.

Firstly, in order to provide assistance competently, you need firm confidence that it was really a wasp that stung you, and not a bee. Otherwise, further actions may turn out to be not only useless, but also fraught with dangerous consequences. Secondly, it is important to imagine what the bite site looks like. It is this knowledge in combination that will be the starting point in providing first aid.

Symptoms of a wasp sting

If a person is healthy, he will survive a wasp attack without any special consequences, and with the right actions, the pain will disappear in 1-3 hours, and all other signs will go away in a couple of days. A normal reaction is considered if there is:

• sharp pain, burning at the site of the bite;
• redness;
• local increase in temperature;
• swelling or swelling.

If the victim has or is intolerant, the picture after the insect attack will be much darker, and any of the following will be added to the indicated symptoms:

• nausea and vomiting;
• rash locally or throughout the body;
• general increase in temperature;
• hives or swelling throughout the body in the form of lesions resembling whitish blisters;
• shortness of breath, increased heart rate;
• dizziness and headache;
• darkening of the eyes;
• momentary fainting;
• convulsions;
• abdominal pain;
• Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.

In addition to the fact that in people with allergies, the reaction to a sting is more severe, the sting site also takes longer to heal. Such a reaction is possible even with a single bite, not to mention multiple ones, so it is these people who need emergency help, otherwise everything can end in disaster.

First aid

If the “culprit” has been identified and by all indications the bite is clearly a wasp, all that remains is to immediately begin “rescue” measures.

Is there a sting?

The first thing to do is make sure there is no sting. The wasp never leaves it, except in cases where it was slammed in place at the moment of stinging. In a panic, the victim is unlikely to pay attention to exactly what moment he killed the wasp, and certainly no one can be sure whether she managed to pull out the sting before she was swatted.

If the wasp’s “weapon” still remains, it must be carefully pulled out with treated tweezers or a needle, not forgetting to first disinfect the wound.

Neutralization of poison

The hole in the skin closes very quickly, so all actions must be smooth and clear. The poison should not be squeezed out, as this will increase blood circulation around the affected area and the poison will quickly spread further. When sucking, it is not scary if some part of the poison is accidentally swallowed, but you still need to try to spit it out right away.

You can prevent further penetration of poison into the blood in the following ways:

• Put something sour on the wound - a slice of citrus, part of an onion or a clove of garlic (cut at the site of the bite). Any acid will neutralize wasp venom.

• No worse than acids, a piece of refined sugar soaked in water will absorb poison. It also needs to be applied to the bite site.

• Cover the wound with a piece of cloth soaked in a soda solution.

• Give the victim more to drink (sweet water or tea). Drinking, contrary to erroneous belief, does not increase swelling; there is no connection at all. This is necessary to “dilute” the poison that has entered the body.

Relieving swelling and pain

To relieve pain and reduce swelling, there are the following methods:

• put ice or something very cold on the bite site for half an hour;
• apply an alcohol or vinegar compress;
• make porridge by mixing baking soda with water and hold it on the wound;
• add a piece of tomato or grated parsley.

To prevent the development of an allergic reaction, it is advisable for any victim (and for allergy sufferers – a must!) to take an antihistamine (Suprastin, Tavegil, etc.).

It is also useful to lubricate the bite site with Fenistil, Insectoline, Advantan, Soventol, Psilobalm gel, and in case of extensive swelling, take Diphenhydramine or Loratadine.

If the reaction to a bite is clearly more severe than normal, in addition to all the above actions, the victim must be provided with access to air (remove tight and tight clothing, open windows). Then give an antihistamine, apply cold to the bite site and call an ambulance.

Anaphylactic shock often develops rapidly, and any delay can kill the victim. An ambulance should be called immediately after the bite, and while waiting for it, provide the necessary emergency assistance on your own.

Typically, people who are allergic to wasp venom carry an epinephrine auto-injector with them. If the victim of an insect attack is physically unable to inject himself, it is necessary to take this function into his own hands. To do this you need:

• remove the cap;
• press the injector to the outer part of the thigh (slightly to the side);
• give an injection for at least 5 seconds (can be done through clothing).

Actions must be quick, as seconds often count.

What is prohibited to do

Sometimes it's better to do nothing than to do anything. - this is no joke, and any wrong action can only worsen the situation. Under no circumstances should you:

• squeeze out the poison with your hands (this can speed up the spread of poison through the blood or cause an infection);
• scratch the bite site and pick at it (infection will occur);
• limit drinking too much;
• apply earth (despite the fact that it gives some analgesic effect);
• panic (you can miss precious time, and in the case when a child is stung, you can scare him even more).

If a wasp attacked a child

When a wasp stings a child, all actions should be the same as in the case of an adult. But here it is better to use other medications: Rescue balm, Gardex Baby, Mosquitall, Picnic Family.

In addition, the child will already have a panic from the pain, and if an adult is nearby in hysterics, the baby’s condition can only be aggravated. Therefore, it is important to be outwardly calm, collected and confident, to be able to convince the child that there is nothing terrible or to distract him.

If after 2 days, despite all the measures taken, it does not get better, consult a doctor.

Particularly dangerous bites

It’s not so bad if a wasp stings your arm, leg, finger, etc. And if you don’t talk about allergies to wasp venom, the most severe consequences are bites on the neck and head (on the tongue, nose, eye, lip or ear). Most often, in such cases, you cannot do without medical help, and the sooner you can get it, the better for the victim.

When bitten in the neck, extensive swelling immediately develops, which can simply block the airways, and this is a risk of death. If the victim is wheezing, his breathing is hoarse and wheezing, nothing will help as quickly as a hollow tube inserted into the throat, through which he can breathe until the doctors arrive. Although, inserting such a tube correctly is very difficult, and any incorrect action can injure the larynx.

Swelling after a bite to the nose will also block the air supply, but you won’t be able to “break through” the nasal passages on your own. Need a doctor's help.

If the bite is in the eye, the following symptoms may occur (of course, not all at once):

• burning;
• tearing or purulent discharge from the eye;
• swelling of the eyelid;
• capillary rupture;
• closing the eye (fully or partially);
• scleral rupture;
• inflammation of the mucous membrane.

It is impossible to say in advance exactly what signs will appear when stung in the eye area, because it depends on the individual reaction and concentration of the poison. The eyelid is very thin and sensitive, so at best the eye will simply swell and a large bruise will form around it.

A bite on the tongue is also dangerous with a high probability of death. From a wasp sting, the organ can swell so much that it blocks the access of air to the respiratory tract and literally “does not fit” into the mouth. Only an emergency visit to a doctor will help here.

If a wasp stings in the ear, it depends on the location of the puncture with the sting. If this is the edge of the sink, the ear will swell and hurt, but it’s not that bad. It is worse if the attack occurs closer to the entrance to the inner ear. Then it is necessary to urgently take the victim to a specialist or call an ambulance. It is very problematic to help here on your own (do not suck out the poison, apply cold - it is fraught with otitis media, etc.).

The skin of the lips is very thin, and if a wasp stings there, it will be very painful. In addition, the blood vessels on the lips are very close, so the poison can spread faster, and the hematoma and swelling will be more extensive. Ice for pain relief and swelling and refined sugar to draw out poison are the best actions in such situations.

Cases when a wasp stings a pregnant woman are also dangerous. From fear and pain, the uterus can become toned, which often leads to miscarriage. Moreover, it does not matter where the bite occurred - in the arm, leg, chest or back - in any case, it is a shock for the pregnant woman. Therefore, the expectant mother needs to immediately call a doctor, and while waiting, provide first (non-medicinal) aid.

The wasp never bites itself, so correct behavior in its presence and caution in nature is the key to not having to be scared, endure pain and frantically look for a way out of the situation when the insect attacks.

Wasps are most active in the last 2 months of summer. Wasps can bite a person both close to the house and in nature. They can penetrate into various places - into the inside of a car, into handbags, into bags, and so on. That is why their bite can be very, very unexpected for a person.

A wasp sting is a painful and unpleasant phenomenon. As a result of the influence of toxic substances, severe pain and swelling occurs, which requires urgent treatment.

What should you do if you are bitten by a wasp? What are the consequences of such a bite? Is this dangerous for humans?

When it bites a person, it releases venom. It contains a large number of biologically active substances. Histamine provokes the development of allergies. It is this component that provokes the development of urticaria, itching, swelling, anaphylactic shock and bronchospasm.

• Phospholipases are enzyme substances that promote the destruction of cell walls, which consist of complex fats. As a result, the contents of the cells enter nearby tissues, causing local inflammation. It also has an effect on mast cells, which are important for normal immunity. As a result, a large amount of histamine is released into the bloodstream.
• Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is needed for adequate transmission of nerve impulses. However, if this element is in large quantities, then a braking effect is provided.
• Hyaluronidase is an enzymatic substance that ensures the destruction of mucopolysaccharides. This causes an increase in capillary permeability.
• Amino acids are powerful allergens.
• Kinins are protein cells that promote vasodilation and also provide a hypotensive effect. They increase vascular permeability and cause pain.

All of these substances are responsible for the development of complex reactions in individuals who are prone to allergies.

Is it possible to die from a wasp sting? This outcome is possible if anaphylactic shock occurs after the bite if timely assistance is not provided.

The following changes occur in the affected area:

• There is swelling of the soft tissues;
• The skin begins to itch and itch;
• The epidermis at the site of the bite becomes red;
• There is a strong burning sensation and pain.

The consequences of such a bite will vary depending on the location of the injection of the toxic substance. The most dangerous case is when a wasp bites in the face area. If a wasp has bitten the eye, there is severe swelling of the eyelid and lacrimation.

In some cases, various discharge may be present. Also, such a bite can cause an inflammatory process of the eye membrane - panophthalmitis occurs.

If a wasp has bitten the mucous membranes of the mouth or lips, this may cause difficulty breathing.

The severity of symptoms will also vary depending on the characteristics of the human body, as well as the number of bites. The greatest danger from wasp stings is for children, those who are pregnant, and those who are prone to allergic reactions.

If a wasp bites many times, then signs of general poisoning occur:

• The person begins to feel sick, vomits, and there is pain in the abdominal area;
• There is pain in the heart, tachycardia and shortness of breath also develop;
• Severe pain and dizziness;
• There is a feverish state with chills;
• In some cases, the victim may faint.

If a person is prone to developing an allergic reaction, hives may develop. In this case, blisters begin to appear on the skin, the skin itches and itches.

In severe cases, Quincke's edema may occur.

This condition is life-threatening. The following symptoms are dangerous:

• Hands, eyelids, lips, face swell greatly;
• If the mucous membrane of the larynx swells, there is difficulty breathing, coughing, and the voice worsens;
• Initially, the face becomes red, after which it acquires a pale color;

In severe cases, these symptoms can cause coma and death. The most dangerous complication of a wasp sting is anaphylactic shock. This condition manifests itself almost immediately. Falls hard arterial pressure and the person may die.

First aid

If you provide the injured person with quick and correct assistance, you can prevent dangerous consequences:

• After a bite, you must immediately identify the sting and remove it;
• The bite site should be treated with an antiseptic.
• Apply a cold complex to the affected area. Both ice and a bottle will do cold water. You can also wet the cloth in cool water. This will reduce the pain and prevent the poison from spreading further.
• If the bite was on the limbs, then a tight bandage can be applied to it so that the poison does not spread through the bloodstream.
• You also need to take an antihistamine. In some cases, you need to take hormonal medications.
• An ointment that contains hormones or antihistamines is used.

To avoid complications and to prevent infection from getting into the wound, it is prohibited:

• Drink alcoholic beverages;
• Take water from nearby bodies of water to cool the wound;
• Try to squeeze the poison out of the wound;
• Comb the affected area.

If a wasp has bitten a child, first aid is provided to him in the same way as for adults.

Pregnant women are prohibited from using anti-allergy and hormonal medications on their own. The use of any medications is only after talking with a doctor.

If Quincke's edema, urticaria, or anaphylactic shock occurs, you need to urgently take the victim to the hospital or call a medical team. You should also definitely go to the hospital if an insect bites your face.

The day after the wasp attack, therapy must be continued. Anti-allergy medications are also used if necessary. Hormones in the form of ointments and tablets are used until the swelling disappears and the condition improves. However, this may take 4-5 days, and sometimes more.

For angioedema and urticaria, medications are administered into a vein or intramuscularly in the first days, after which a tablet form is prescribed.

To cure a complication such as anaphylactic shock, the patient must be treated in a hospital setting.

Traditional methods

In addition to medications, there are also folk remedies for the bite of the insect in question. They especially need to be reviewed by women in a position where the use of medication is contraindicated for them.

To eliminate the tumor you need:

• Apply a cloth soaked in a solution of salt and baking soda to the affected area for half an hour;
• Tea lotions are effective;
• If there is a plantain nearby, then its leaf should be applied to the bite site;
• Sugar can be placed on the bite site.

You should also know how to relieve pain when bitten:

• Lotions with lemon juice and a weak solution of vinegar help.
• You can apply an apple slice or onion to the bite site.
• Wasp venom can be neutralized with aspirin, which eliminates pain and provides an anti-inflammatory effect.

Prevention

It is possible to prevent the dangerous consequences of an encounter with a wasp. You need to adhere to some rules.

1. When going outdoors, it is better to wear not bright clothes. Pastel shades- that's it. Limbs, head and arms should be covered. Remember that perfume can attract wasps, so avoid wearing it.
2. Do not touch wasp hives.
3. If the wasp is not far from you, be calm - do not wave your arms or make sudden movements.
4. You should not eat sweets, berries and fruits on the street.