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Warning-sign checks

Wasp sting: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if a sting is followed by difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, swelling of the tongue or throat, severe dizziness, confusion, fainting, or collapse.

    Widespread hives together with breathing, circulation, or digestive symptoms may also be anaphylaxis.

    Use a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector immediately if your emergency plan tells you to do so.

    Emergency assessment is still needed even if you improve.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Get urgent medical help for a sting inside the mouth or throat, a sting to the eye, or many stings at once.

    Prompt advice is also important if swelling around the face or neck is increasing.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical advice if redness, pain, or swelling is worsening after initially improving; there is pus, fever, or a spreading red line; symptoms are not settling; or swelling is interfering with normal activities.

    You should also arrange follow-up after any reaction that caused widespread hives, facial swelling, breathing symptoms, faintness, or vomiting away from the sting.

    This assessment can help decide whether allergy testing, adrenaline auto-injectors, or venom immunotherapy may be appropriate.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Wasp sting. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.