When Should I See A Doctor for A Bite or Sting?

Typically, bug bites are just harmless annoyances. Stings can be painful, but are usually harmless. However, there are rare occasions when a trip to the doctor is necessary and it is important to know the signs.

You should go to the emergency room immediately if you get any of the following after a bite or sting.

1. Swollen lips or tongue – If you notice that your child’s mouth is swollen following an insect bite or sting, this can be the beginning stages of a serious reaction and they should be seen immediately.
2. Difficulty Breathing – If your child seems to have trouble breathing, especially after being bitten or stung, get to the hospital as quickly as possible.
3. The sensation that their throat closing. This could be a sign of anaphylaxis, and should be treated as soon as possible, since it can be deadly.
4. Chest Pain – Another symptom of a severe allergic reaction is tightness in the chest due to swelling. Children often communicate this as their chest hurting.
5. Racing Heart – If you notice their heart has begun beating extra fast, do not wait to get them to the emergency room.
6. Dizzy spells – If your child gets dizzy and you notice they have a bite, it’s important to get them treated immediately. This could be a sign of a venomous spider bite.
7. Nausea – If your child seems nauseated or is throwing up following a bite, they may have been bitten by something venomous and should be seen to determine the cause as quickly as possible.
8. Headache – Most people do not associate a headache with a bite or sting, but if you can correlate the two, your child may be having a toxic reaction.
9. A “target” rash after a tick bite. This may be a sign of Lymes disease and can be treated with antibiotics.
10. A fever with an angry red or black rash that spreads quickly. This might be Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a bacterial infection caused by ticks.