Summer is a fun time of year full of outdoor activities. However, it’s also the season that bugs like most. In most cases, bug bites are harmless, but they can turn into a Sugar Land emergency situation quickly. Therefore, try to prevent bites as much as possible and know the signs that a bug bite is serious and needs Sugar Land emergency medical attention.
Venomous Spider Bites Require Sugar Land Emergency Attention
While most spider bites are not life-threatening, there are two types of venomous spiders in the Sugar Land that need immediate medical attention. In our area, you could encounter black widow and brown recluse spiders. If you are bitten by one of these species of spider, you should seek Sugar Land emergency care as soon as possible. These spiders are highly poisonous and can lead to many negative health outcomes. In some cases, especially in children and those with weakened immune systems, these venomous bites can even be fatal without Sugar Land emergency medical attention.
Non-Venomous Bites May Still Lead to a Sugar Land Emergency
However, even if you know for sure that the bug that bit you isn’t venomous, your health could still be at risk. Insect bites can lead to dangerous infections and diseases, such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and even Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In many cases, these complications require Sugar Land emergency attention and antibiotics to treat the infection.
Additionally, simultaneous bites from insects that aren’t typically considered harmful can still cause a toxic reaction. For example, fire ant bites aren’t typically life threatening. However, if many bite you at the same time, the large amount of venom can lead to serious reactions.
Finally, many bites can cause allergic reactions and even anaphylaxis. You should come into your Sugar Land emergency clinic any time you experience signs of severe allergic reactions. Even if you know that the insect that bit you isn’t harmful, you could still be allergic. Anaphylaxis can lead to unconsciousness or even death. Therefore, it’s vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you start to experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
Symptoms to Look Out For
After an insect or spider bite, seek Sugar Land emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or feeling like your throat is closing
- Swollen lips, tongue, or face
- Chest pain
- A racing heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Lightheadedness or fainting
Also, if you notice a donut or target shaped rash, this could be a sign of Lyme disease, which requires antibiotics. If you experience a fever with a red or black spotty rash that spreads, this could be a sign of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a bacterial infection spread by ticks that also requires antibiotic treatment.
Help keep you and your family safe this year by preventing bug bites. After a bug bite, be sure that you’ll recognize the signs of serious complications.
At St. Michael’s Elite Hospital, we are equipped with cutting edge technology and a friendly, experienced staff to help you get feeling better in no time. Our wait times are typically less than 5 minutes to help you get back to normal as soon as possible. Call us today at (281) 980-4357 to let us know you’re on your way. We are here to help!