sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Allergies to insect stings: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Schools, workplaces, and caregivers may also need a written emergency plan.

    Use epinephrine and call emergency services for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, collapse, or rapidly developing symptoms in more than one body system.

    Emergency care should not be replaced by a routine clinic appointment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical care for swelling that is severe, continues to worsen, affects function, or may be infected.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up with a healthcare professional after any reaction that caused widespread hives, swelling away from the sting, breathing symptoms, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting.

    Ask whether referral to an allergist is appropriate.

The article also says

People prescribed epinephrine should review their technique regularly and replace devices before they expire.

Bring auto-injectors to appointments so a clinician or pharmacist can check the device and demonstrate its use.

People receiving venom immunotherapy need scheduled injections and monitoring in a medical setting.

Tell the allergy team about reactions after injections, new medical conditions, pregnancy, or changes in heart and blood pressure medicines.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Allergies to insect stings. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.