Bites and Stings
 
Definition
 
Bites and stings are a broad category, ranging from insect stings inducing a little pain and redness, through to allergic reactions and even anaphylaxis. Natural medicine can be used to successfully manage the symptoms and reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Some snakes, spiders, jellyfish and other creatures are quite venomous, and can produce severe or lethal reactions. This discussion will focus mainly on recovery from these, as natural medicine is not appropriate as an acute treatment.

Aetiology / Risk Factors

Insect stings contain proteins to which the immune system can become sensitised, so that on subsequent exposures a major allergic reaction may take place.

Pathology Tests

Symptoms & Signs

Local redness and burning or itching

Sometimes tissue damage, puncture marks or blistering occurs.

More severe reactions are associated with extensive redness and irritation.

Anaphylaxis is characterised by hives, difficulty breathing, hypotension, dizziness, chest pain, racing heart, nausea and diarrhoea.

Venomous bites can lead to confusion and unconsciousness, oedema and lymph node tenderness and enlargement.

Diet and Lifestyle
 
These suggestions are to reduce ongoing allergic reactivity

Eliminate all food allergens from the diet. The most common allergenic foods are dairy, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat, fish, eggs, corn, chocolate, and tomatoes.

Reduce pro-inflammatory foods in the diet including saturated fats (meats, especially poultry, and dairy), refined foods, and sugar. For those with sensitivities to antibiotics it is essential to eat only organic meats to avoid antibiotic residues.

Increase intake of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and essential fatty acids (cold-water fish, nuts, and seeds).