Allergic Reactions~

[cowdog77]

My daughter who is a diver had severe a reaction to a wasp sting a year ago. What are some things she should she do to minimize the risks of such a reaction while diving other than wearing full wetsuit and being aware of her surroundings?

Also, is there a difference between a jellyfish sting and that of a wasp for such a reaction? Any tips will be appreciated.

She does have an "Epi-pen" that she carries with her when working on the farm or working/riding out in the pastures.
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[Laurence Stein DDS]

My daughter who is a diver had severe a reaction to a wasp sting a year ago. What are some things she should she do to minimize the risks of such a reaction while diving other than wearing full wetsuit and being aware of her surroundings?

Also, is there a difference between a jellyfish sting and that of a wasp for such a reaction? Any tips will be appreciated.

She does have an "Epi-pen" that she carries with her when working on the farm or working/riding out in the pastures.
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When you say wasp, are you referring to a sea wasp? The reason I ask is that a reaction to a wasp (bug) sting should have nothing to do with marine envenomations. The toxic substance/allergen is unrelated between the two. On the other hand, a sea wasp is a type of "jellyfish" and as such, the toxin/allergen might well be related.

The Epi-pen can be useful for allergic reactions in general and should be used if she is exposed to an envenomation she is known to react to. It is used to support the blood pressure and respiration which may falter during an anaphylactic allergic reaction. It is not to be used for generic "stings" especially if it can be determined that such a sting was not related to the type know to cause her reaction.

Covering up is obviously useful. On land, long sleeves and a dive skin or wet suit underwater. A hot or hood can be used. Certain colors and smells may also attract insect stings (but not marine stings).

Benedryl can also be used following a sting from something she is know to be allergic to...it is NOT a first choice medication...epinephrine is (in the Epi-pen). The Benedryl is useful for reducing the swelling created by the sting.

Laurence Stein DDS

 

[cowdog77]

She was stung by a red wasp (bug). I had heard that the wasp sting (bug) delivers a different toxin than a jellyfish sting but didn't know if that was correct. Hmmmm.....I would suspect the toxin for a jellyfish is different than for fire coral???

When you say wasp, are you referring to a sea wasp? The reason I ask is that a reaction to a wasp (bug) sting should have nothing to do with marine envenomations. The toxic substance/allergen is unrelated between the two. On the other hand, a sea wasp is a type of "jellyfish" and as such, the toxin/allergen might well be related.

The Epi-pen can be useful for allergic reactions in general and should be used if she is exposed to an envenomation she is known to react to. It is used to support the blood pressure and respiration which may falter during an anaphylactic allergic reaction. It is not to be used for generic "stings" especially if it can be determined that such a sting was not related to the type know to cause her reaction.

Covering up is obviously useful. On land, long sleeves and a dive skin or wet suit underwater. A hot or hood can be used. Certain colors and smells may also attract insect stings (but not marine stings).

Benedryl can also be used following a sting from something she is know to be allergic to...it is NOT a first choice medication...epinephrine is (in the Epi-pen). The Benedryl is useful for reducing the swelling created by the sting.

Laurence Stein DDS

 

[babar]

Incidentally, that was a good article in Alert Diver this month, Larry. Nice pictures, too.

Babar

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

Incidentally, that was a good article in Alert Diver this month, Larry. Nice pictures, too.

Babar

Thanks!

Larry

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

She was stung by a red wasp (bug). I had heard that the wasp sting (bug) delivers a different toxin than a jellyfish sting but didn't know if that was correct. Hmmmm.....I would suspect the toxin for a jellyfish is different than for fire coral???

I wouldn't be so sure...both are marine animals and both deliver their toxin through a nematocyst mechanism. I don't know the real answer but I would suspect a similarity.

If your daughter is "atopic", she has multiple allergies and develops others easily, then she should be extra careful.

Larry

 

[TheAvatar]

The Epi-pen can be useful for allergic reactions in general and should be used if she is exposed to an envenomation she is known to react to. It is used to support the blood pressure and respiration which may falter during an anaphylactic allergic reaction. It is not to be used for generic "stings" especially if it can be determined that such a sting was not related to the type know to cause her reaction.

Benedryl can also be used following a sting from something she is know to be allergic to...it is NOT a first choice medication...epinephrine is (in the Epi-pen). The Benedryl is useful for reducing the swelling created by the sting.

Laurence Stein DDS

Correct me if I am wrong but...

Epi temporarily counters a reaction, benadryl lasts longer (slower acting) and reverses it often long enough for the problem to go away.

Epi probably is only going to last 15-20 minutes. Epipens are a stopgap to allow EMS to arrive and administer more epi and some benadryl (IV) and then transport.

If you are diving in a remote area and have a reaction and all you have is an epipen, better hope the boat has a rocket engine... or that you have some benadryl.

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

Correct me if I am wrong but...

Epi temporarily counters a reaction, benadryl lasts longer (slower acting) and reverses it often long enough for the problem to go away.

Epi probably is only going to last 15-20 minutes. Epipens are a stopgap to allow EMS to arrive and administer more epi and some benadryl (IV) and then transport.

If you are diving in a remote area and have a reaction and all you have is an epipen, better hope the boat has a rocket engine... or that you have some benadryl.

Sort of. The epi is to help counter the drop in blood pressure and bronchospasm. It is rapid acting and short lasting. The Benadryl is to counter the histamine released which can mediate some of these problems. It can also reduce some of the fluids and edema created during the reaction. Another useful medication is a steroid and of course oxygen.

Yes, then you're gonna need rocket fuel for the boat ride. Actually, if you are in local waters, call the Coast Guard. Away from home, you're on your own. An anaphylactic reaction is a life threatening emergency and rapid evacuation is advisable even if you have the proper medication on board. There is no guarantee that your supplies will be sufficient or that the reaction will respond.

Larry Stein

 

[gasgirl]

If your daughter has a true anaphylactic reaction to wasp stings then there are other precautions you might want to consider in addition to the points already raised:

1. Have your daughter wear a medic-alert bracelet at all times.
2. Consult an allergist to see if your daughter would benefit from desensitization immunotherapy.
3. Carry a bronchodilator (requires a prescription) to treat bronchospasm.
4. Bring along something that you can apply as a tourniquet proximal to the sting site. This should be tight enough to interfere with lymphatic and venous drainage but not enough to occlude arterial blood flow.

I agree with what has already been said but it deserves re-emphasizing: she will need to be transported immediately to the nearest emergency facility for further monitoring and treatment.