Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Blog and Photo by Dr. Wasil Khan
With the onset of warmer weather, there is an increase in plant and animal activity. People also spend more time enjoying the outdoors this time of year. These circumstances bring more chances for people to encounter stinging insects such as bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and fire ants. These particular insects belong to the order Hymenoptera, and females of many hymenopteran insects, including those just mentioned, possess stingers which can deliver venom, cause pain, redness, and swelling. For people who have an allergy to insect venom, stings can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
It is, therefore, very important to determine if features of a reaction to an insect sting suggest that an allergy may be present.
Signs that indicate the presence of a dangerous insect sting allergy include:
If you ever develop any of the above symptoms after a sting, it is important to clarify your allergic status to stinging insects. This is best accomplished by visiting an Allergist / Immunologist certified by The American Board of Allergy and Asthma (ABAI). These physicians have received years of specialized straining in accurately diagnosing and treating allergic disorders, including insect sting allergy. Once a dangerous insect sting allergy is identified, a management plan should be put in place. Key components of a sting allergy management plan should include sting avoidance measures, outlining emergency steps to follow in the event of a sting, and treatment to reduce the severity to reduce the severity of reactions to future stings.
Sting Avoidance Measures:
Emergency Treatment in the Event of a Sting:
Reducing Sting Allergy:
If you suspect you may have a dangerous sting allergy, contact SouthCoast Allergy / Immunology for an appointment to see Dr. Wasil Khan.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. Founded in 1996, SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 17 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
