Viewer Comments: Insect Bites - SymptomsViewer Comments & ReviewsInsect Bites - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What symptoms did you experience with your insect bites?
Comment from: Syd, 55-64 Male (Patient)
Published: July 25
I was bitten by a centipede in a wooded area of the ALGARVE (Portugal) 1 week ago, I am 63 years but very fit (ex pro squash player) now age group competing road cyclist! 10 minutes after bite, feeling of fainting and nausea, sat down, then laid down and went into shock situation! My wife summoned local emergency services, and then transported to nearest hospital with relative emergency care! Symptoms:- tightness of throat, pins and needles in hands and feet, cold and profuse sweating, irregular breathing, semi-delusional, desire to sleep, However, during all this, pulse rate varied but not dangerously, heart-beat raised initially then returned to normal with oxygen in the Ambulance. Hospital treatment with saline, anti-histamine, and anti-venom intravenously administered plus injections in buttocks, blood tests, 3 hours later discharged , feeling ok sort of!! With variety of capsules to take. By the 3rd day there was later swelling and discoloration of lower leg(bite area over top of walking boot) all but gone and back on bike!! Warning given, that if in doubt of bite or sting seek immediate medical care!!
Comment from: Steve Z, 45-54 Male (Patient)
Published: July 25
Stung by bee on right pinky finger, second knuckle. (Quite possibly directly into vein or artery, as there was virtually no swelling or itching at site of string. Stinger was present, and quickly removed, though.) Within five minutes, hives all over body. Esophagus swelled shut or spasmed, as if permanent swallow. Tongue numbed and swelled. Twenty minutes after sting, passed out in emergency room with no measurable blood pressure. Revived and spent night at hospital for observation.
Comment from: sonjar, 65-74 Female
Published: June 30
I'm 65 years old and live in the tropics. I was bitten on the inner thigh more than 7 days ago. After day 4 a red dot appeared that could be site of bite. However on day one the inner thigh had an area approximately 6" around red, very hard, extremely itchy and hot. I applied ice packs, lavender oil, took oregano capsules, herbal remedies to boost immune system. The red area elongated and moved closer to the knee with the same symptoms. It is now day 8 the hardness, red, heat and itch are located on the L outside of the knee cap travelling downward. There has been in the lymph nodes on left side of body under arms, headaches and discomfort walking. Went to hospital, received ibuprofen and told no danger. My fear is that the area is moving, as if something was alive underneath. Please help. Thank you.
Comment from: teaberryboo, 55-64 Female (Patient)
Published: May 06
I was bitten on the top of the ear by a small black fly/gnat yesterday. Today my ear is red, swollen, hot, itchy and sore. Diphenhydramine cream has not really helped. Related Reading: Diphenhydramine
Comment from: rob, 19-24 Male (Caregiver)
Published: November 21
I was bitten on my leg and have been sweating and itchy for the last 24 hours.
Comment from: tabby, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: November 12
I was bitten in Florida not sure by what but I have three bites. One is a nasty bite. They are all are seeping out sticky yellow fluid and my foot has swollen up. Must Read Articles Related to Insect Bites
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When I got stung by a bee, it was only last week, it was during my lunch. I was just getting up then when i was adjusting my orange rain coat, I accidentally caught a bee in my hand. It was my first time so I went to the nurse. After the stinger was removed, the nurse wanted me to wait 10 minutes for any allergic reaction because I didn't know if I had a bee sting allergy. Well two minutes after the stinger was removed I started so feel my throat just tithing. She called my mom. As 30 minutes since the sting came i started trouble swallowing the extra spit the sting produced. As the Hour mark came I started to get red bumps and my whole body became red. Within the two hour mark my mom was able to pick me up. As we were driving in the car I started to have more trouble breathing and my voice became hoarse and more hoarse by the minute. So my mother made a doctor appointment with the doctor with the closest time available. Witch turned out to be three hours after the sting. But during the 2nd and 3rd hours I started to feel light headed and dizzy. After getting my vitals the doctor put us in a room 30minutes passed during those thirty minute I started to feel very tired as the thirty minutes passed it became harder to stay awake. But just when I was about to sleep the doctor came in to give a shot of epiphenrene and Benadryl. And just said to make a follow up appointment which I still need to make. Btw I'm only 15.
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