Allergic Reactions to Fire Ant Stings
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Just like bee stings, fire ant bites can cause allergic reactions that can be very serious in some cases. In the United States around 80 deaths have been known to be caused by allergic reactions from fire ant stings, and roughly one-fourth of those were children. It can take only a single sting to result in a serious reaction, depending on how sensitive you are to the venom.
The first allergy symptom is itchiness. This can affect all or any part of the skin, eyes, and nose. As symptoms progress, you may start to sneeze, cough and wheeze, get hives, or develop congestion. These symptoms could be warning signs of a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis, which can lead to a state of shock. Symptoms of Anaphylaxis include: sudden anxiety or weakness, going unconscious, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and lightheadedness or palpitations..
Anaphylactic shock occurs within minutes of this and could result in death. Immediate medical treatment is needed if you start to see these symptoms, which can happen anywhere from a few minutes to an hour after the bites. If it gets to the more serious symptoms, it's an emergency situation. If you're going to the hospital, be prepared to provide
• the victim’s age, weight and condition
• positive identification of the fire ant
• the time that the sting occurred.
If the reaction is serious enough, doctors will recommend immediately using as a treatment for it the injection of epinephrine. Once you have been diagnosed with an allergy to fire ants you will most likely be prescribed a kit, which you can use in any future cases where you get bitten.
This kit is extremely effective in slowing or stopping the reaction in most cases. At times, though, it may not be enough. The self-injectable epinephrine kit should be used while the person is on the way to the emergency room.
Allergic reactions can be slowed down by immediately applying a tourniquet between the sting and the rest of your body. It will be necessary to remove the tourniquet every 15 minutes to allow blood flow to and from that body part and can also be used while on the way to the emergency room.
Applying ice can slow the rate of absorption of the venom. Preventative immunization or allergy shots are strongly recommended to eliminate the danger of a severe reaction to fire ant stings.
Anaphylactic shock causes the airways to swell and the patient may need assistance with breathing. So do not delay calling 911 for the assistance of medical personnel.
Most likely, if you are allergic to bee stings than you will be allergic to fire ants and should avoid areas that are known to be invaded. However, some people are allergic to bees and they still have no reaction to fire ants.
If you know you're allergic, you should take some basic precautions when outdoors. Watch out for mounds and avoid stepping on them. Always were shoes and socks when outside in areas that you know to have fire ants. Pull your socks over the hem of your pants at all times. While doing lawn work, wear long sleeves and pull your gloves over the sleeves. Avoid lifting rocks (fire ants will often nest underneath). If you have to sit on the grass, take time to look around for signs of ants or mounds. Never fall asleep on the grass or lay there for extended periods of time.
Use caution when handling air conditioner units. Conduct regular treatments to your yard and around you home. Inquire at to whether schools, campsites, tennis courts, pools and other public areas are treated for fire ants.
Sources and Useful Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaphylaxis
http://www.medicinenet.com/insect_sting_allergies/article.htm
http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/bugs/fire_ant.html
http://www.safe2use.com/pests/fireants/fireants4.htm
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