If treatment with medications is unsuccessful, breathing may need to be assisted by the insertion of a breathing tube into the lungs. The device holds only one dose, so medical assessment after the adrenaline has been administered is crucial in case the reaction worsens and further doses of adrenaline are required. The injection device is filled with adrenaline and is administered into the large muscle in the front of the thigh when an anaphylactic reaction is experienced. Self-injectable adrenaline (eg: EpiPen) is available for people known to have anaphylactic reactions. Other medications that may also be used to further reduce the allergic reaction include corticosteroids and antihistamines. Adrenaline is usually sufficient to reverse the reaction, though more than one dose may be required to achieve this. The main action of adrenaline is to strengthen the force of the heart's contraction and to open the airways in the lungs.

Severe anaphylactic reactions need immediate treatment with a medication called adrenaline, given in the form of an injection. A reaction that may initially seem mild, may progress to being more severe. Anaphylaxis treatmentĪll suspected anaphylactic reactions require prompt medical treatment. Symptoms of shock such as rapid heartbeat, weak pulse, pale skin, and a drop in blood pressureĪ severe anaphylactic reaction is a medical emergency - dial 111 and ask for an ambulance if someone is displaying symptoms of anaphylactic reaction.

Symptoms of a severe anaphylactic reaction include: Symptoms of a moderate general or anaphylactic reaction include: Anaphylaxis symptomsĪn anaphylactic reaction occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to the insect venom by releasing chemicals such as histamine that trigger the allergic reaction. Generally, the sooner the reaction begins, the more severe it will be. A small number of people may experience a much more serious anaphylactic reaction to insect stings, either immediately after being stung or in the subsequent few hours. Stings hurt or itch for one to two days but the swelling may last for up to a week. First aid treatment for these symptoms include ice packs or wet cloths to reduce pain and antihistamine tablets or creams, hydrocortisone cream, or calamine lotion to reduce itching and inflammation. Most people will experience pain, itchiness, redness and swelling around a bee or wasp sting site. Common insect sting symptoms and treatment It is estimated that two or three people die in New Zealand each year from insect sting reactions. However, a small percentage of the population will experience a more serious general or anaphylactic allergic reaction to insect stings that can affect the whole body and may be life threatening. For most people, an insect sting (most commonly in New Zealand from wasps, honey-bees, or bumble-bees) will result in moderate, short-term symptoms and straight-forward treatment.

Hornet bee sting treatment