Aha! Allergy center Switzerland / Aha! Center d’Lasergie Suisse
In Switzerland, around 3.5 % of the population is allergic to insect venom. In an emergency, it is necessary to act quickly. This leads to three to four deaths each year in Switzerland. AHA! Swiss allergy center recommends that allergic people always have their emergency drugs to carry hands.
In the event of an allergy to insect venom, the following symptoms may appear a few minutes after the bite, due to a reaction from the immune system: itching all over the body, generalized hives, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath and acceleration of heart rate.
A severe allergic reaction, also called anaphylactic reaction, can lead to a drop in blood pressure, loss of knowledge, respiratory stop, even cardiovascular collapse and in some cases be fatal. So you have to react quickly!
Have emergency drugs on oneself
“People allergic to wasp or bee venom must always have an emergency kit prescribed by a doctor,” explains Roxane Guillod, head of AHA specialized services! Swiss allergy center. “Immediately after the bite, people allergic should take prescribed medication, such as antihistamines and possibly cortisone, and, in the event of severe allergy, administer adrenaline thanks to a self-injector. It is also advisable to call emergency services, in Switzerland at 144 and in Europe at 112, “said Roxane Guillod. The insect venom can trigger a potentially fatal allergic shock. If you don’t have an emergency kit, stay calm and immediately call an ambulance.
Asian hornets are not harmless
In Switzerland, allergic reactions are mainly caused by sting of bees, wasps, bumblebees and hornets. The Asian hornet, whose propagation continues in our country, is also one of the triggers. Cross reactions between different venoms are possible.
The bites can be dangerous, even for non -allergic people
In the event of a bite in the mouth, the throat or the neck, immediately consult a doctor or call the emergency services: risk of suffocation due to swelling. If possible, suck an ice cube to delay swelling of the airways.
How to prevent bites:
Practical measures make it possible to avoid wasp stings as much as possible:
- Avoid sudden movements; Log slowly if a wasp is nearby.
- Never walk barefoot, because many wasps have their nests on the ground. The bees love the clover.
- Perspiration attracts many sting insects; So be careful when you exercise or work outside.
- Food attracts wasps; Avoid eating outside if possible.
- Wash your hands and wipe your mouth after each meal or snacks, especially if you have children.
- Enablish food waste properly.
- Never drink directly to the bottle or the can. Softery drinks and beer attract wasps.
- Avoid perfume, lacquer, sunscreen and very fragrant skin and shampoos containing scented species.
Good to know:
The AHA Foundation! Swiss allergy center offers courses on how to manage an anaphylactic shock. These courses are intended for people concerned, relatives and professionals and combine theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, for example the use of an adrenaline self-injector. The objective is to be able to react correctly and quickly in an emergency – this can save lives. You will find the current dates and offers in the agenda on the official website: AHA! Swiss allergy center – Agenda.
Communication et médias aha! Centre d'Allergie Suisse Scheibenstrasse 20 3014 Bern +41 31 359 90 49 [email protected]
www.aha.ch
