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Animals that bite and sting can cause aserious health problem if appropriatetreatment is not given.

Bites and stings may cause many kinds ofreactions, from transient discomfort ormild pain, to more dangerous ones likeallergic or anaphylactic reactions.

Signs and symptoms will depend on thetype of animal, the individual, and his orher bodys reaction to a bite or sting

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Signs and symptoms include Redness and swelling at the site Weakness and dizziness

Chills and fever

Localized pain or itching

Altered mental state

Blotchy skin (mottled skin)

Numbness in a limb or body part

Nausea and vomiting

Bite marks

Stinger

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Emergency care for bites and stings Remove the stinger if one is present.

Scraping is a simple method of removing astinger.

Wash the area gently.

Remove any jewelry from affected area

before swelling begins. If there is an epinephrine auto injection

available, determine the injection site slightlybelow the heart.

If wound is a snake bite, DO NOT apply ice.

Apply constricting band or tourniquet.

Observe for signs and symptoms of allergicreactions and treat accordingly.

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Allergic reactions is an exaggeratedresponse of the bodys immune response

to any substance. Common causes of allergies include

insect bites and stings, foods, plants, andmedications.

Allergic reactions can range from mild tosevere life threatening anaphylacticreactions.

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In anaphylaxis, exposure to an allergen

will cause blood vessels to dilate rapidly,resulting in a drop in blood pressure.

More serious attacks may begin rapidly

after exposure to the allergen, althoughsome reactions can be delayed up to 30

minutes.

There is no way to predict the course of

an allergic reaction so it must be treatedseriously as it can escalate very rapidly.

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The greatest danger in an allergic

reaction is the compromise of the airwayfrom edema (fluid accumulation).

The signs and symptoms of allergic

reactions vary from one person toanother.

They can range from mild allergic

reactions like itching or watery eyes.

Severe reactions however, are indicatedby the following signs and symptoms;

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Skin

Itching, hives, flushing, red skin

Swelling of the face, hands, neck or tongue

Cool and clammy to touch if in shock.

Tongue Warm or tingling feeling

Cardiovascular System

Increased heart rate

Decreased blood pressure

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Respiratory System

Tightness in the throat, chest

Rapid, labored or noisy breathing

Stridor; hoarseness

Wheezing cough

Generalized

Itchy, watery eyes, headache, and runnynose

Level of consciousness Altered mental status

Signs and symptoms of shock

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Emergency care for allergic reactions

Administer high concentration oxygen. Administer epinephrine auto-injector (for e.g.Epi-Pen) if available. Make sure to followmedical directions on usage. Record theadministration.

Epinephrine auto-injection should be usedonly when there is signs and symptoms ofshock, and there is respiratory distress.

Perform on-going assessment of reactions

every 5 minutes. Focus on ABCs. Be prepared to perform CPR if necessary.

Send to hospital immediately.