When concerned about any difficulties, whether it is a matter of how to get rid of mosquito bites fast, in general, or a more particular focus on the prospects of mosquito bite allergy problems, the concern begins with the saliva. It is female mosquitoes, needing our blood to feed their eggs, which inject their saliva into our skin to make the blood extraction process quicker, easier and more subtle.
It is the chemistry of the saliva, which benefits the mosquito's feeding technique. This same saliva though causes the human reactions to mosquito bites. Usually this reaction is the standard, moderate swelling and itchy irritation. A variety of measures are available to address these normal reactions. It's not ever fun to have to deal with mosquito bites, though the one consolation is that usually they are a relatively brief duration. Thus, as a general rule, mosquito bites pose no health concern for most people, most of the time.
Though rare, however, exceptions do exist. Despite the rareness of the events, though, there is a small chance of genuine danger, so it is wise to keep these exceptions in mind. Signs that a reaction to mosquito bites is not in the range of the usual are the appearance of symptoms such as blistering rashes, bruises, or excessive swelling at the location of the bite. The reference to swelling here should not be confused with a mere swelling of the bitten area. Rather we're referring to a situation in which an entire arm or leg noticeably swells up.
Skeeter Syndrome is the name given to these kinds of mosquito bite allergy reactions. When the polypeptides in the mosquito saliva has a negative reaction with the hosts immune system, this syndrome is the result. This non-contagious illness most commonly occurs among those who have a history of allergic reactions. There is some variation in the beginning of symptom manifestation from an immediate appearance to as many as several days. Vigilance requires being attentive to any sign of the following symptoms:
1. Red lump that rise on the area bitten by the mosquito; 2. The appearance at other parts of the body of other bumps and general swelling; 3. Hives; 4. Bruises and blisters that cannot be explained by other injuries or incidents; 5. Less common, but a telltale sign, is swelling beneath the surface of the skin or mucous membranes; 6. Bite area infection; 7. Asthma-like breathlessness; 8. Though rare, of great concern in the cases of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis.
Certain people are more likely at risk for these kinds of intense mosquito bite allergy reactions. Among those with whom especial vigilance should be maintained, include:
1. Outdoorsy people are a concern simply for their high degree of exposure. Think particularly of those who engage in work or sports out of doors, particularly in areas with high propensity for mosquitoes; 2. Another group to be especially attentive of are those without a history of exposure at all, and whom therefore may not have adequate natural immunity to mosquito saliva. Young children can be a concern in this regard, as well; 3. The other major category of people likely at risk is those with immuno-deficiency illnesses such as AIDS, leukemia and lymphoma.
Extreme allergic reactions should always be treated by a medical professional. This though does not preclude some basic preparations. Foremost in this category is assuring that you have a good first response anti-allergy medication on hand. This is particularly recommended when caring for an individual with a known history of allergic reaction. In the case of developing asthmatic symptoms, oral anti-histamines can be of great help. It is important to reiterate, though, in the event of extreme symptoms, such as blisters, difficulty in breathing, short and panting breaths, medical treatment should be sought promptly.
In the event of the very unlikely reaction of anaphylaxis, this should be treated no differently than under the same reaction to a bee sting. It is a potentially life threatening situation and immediate hospitalization is required.
Preparation can save much trouble down the road. Usually, however, mosquito bites are little more than annoying. Ridding yourself of such annoyance can be aided with a variety of home remedies.
It is the chemistry of the saliva, which benefits the mosquito's feeding technique. This same saliva though causes the human reactions to mosquito bites. Usually this reaction is the standard, moderate swelling and itchy irritation. A variety of measures are available to address these normal reactions. It's not ever fun to have to deal with mosquito bites, though the one consolation is that usually they are a relatively brief duration. Thus, as a general rule, mosquito bites pose no health concern for most people, most of the time.
Though rare, however, exceptions do exist. Despite the rareness of the events, though, there is a small chance of genuine danger, so it is wise to keep these exceptions in mind. Signs that a reaction to mosquito bites is not in the range of the usual are the appearance of symptoms such as blistering rashes, bruises, or excessive swelling at the location of the bite. The reference to swelling here should not be confused with a mere swelling of the bitten area. Rather we're referring to a situation in which an entire arm or leg noticeably swells up.
Skeeter Syndrome is the name given to these kinds of mosquito bite allergy reactions. When the polypeptides in the mosquito saliva has a negative reaction with the hosts immune system, this syndrome is the result. This non-contagious illness most commonly occurs among those who have a history of allergic reactions. There is some variation in the beginning of symptom manifestation from an immediate appearance to as many as several days. Vigilance requires being attentive to any sign of the following symptoms:
1. Red lump that rise on the area bitten by the mosquito; 2. The appearance at other parts of the body of other bumps and general swelling; 3. Hives; 4. Bruises and blisters that cannot be explained by other injuries or incidents; 5. Less common, but a telltale sign, is swelling beneath the surface of the skin or mucous membranes; 6. Bite area infection; 7. Asthma-like breathlessness; 8. Though rare, of great concern in the cases of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis.
Certain people are more likely at risk for these kinds of intense mosquito bite allergy reactions. Among those with whom especial vigilance should be maintained, include:
1. Outdoorsy people are a concern simply for their high degree of exposure. Think particularly of those who engage in work or sports out of doors, particularly in areas with high propensity for mosquitoes; 2. Another group to be especially attentive of are those without a history of exposure at all, and whom therefore may not have adequate natural immunity to mosquito saliva. Young children can be a concern in this regard, as well; 3. The other major category of people likely at risk is those with immuno-deficiency illnesses such as AIDS, leukemia and lymphoma.
Extreme allergic reactions should always be treated by a medical professional. This though does not preclude some basic preparations. Foremost in this category is assuring that you have a good first response anti-allergy medication on hand. This is particularly recommended when caring for an individual with a known history of allergic reaction. In the case of developing asthmatic symptoms, oral anti-histamines can be of great help. It is important to reiterate, though, in the event of extreme symptoms, such as blisters, difficulty in breathing, short and panting breaths, medical treatment should be sought promptly.
In the event of the very unlikely reaction of anaphylaxis, this should be treated no differently than under the same reaction to a bee sting. It is a potentially life threatening situation and immediate hospitalization is required.
Preparation can save much trouble down the road. Usually, however, mosquito bites are little more than annoying. Ridding yourself of such annoyance can be aided with a variety of home remedies.
About the Author:
Tosh Caliberni writes on health related issues at a number of blogs, such as How to Get Rid of the Flu Fast.
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