Insect Bites And Stings And Spider Bites: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have new swelling?

See significance of new swelling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, eyelids, or ears (but no trouble breathing), and the swelling is not where you were bitten or stung?

Yes

Do you have sudden swelling that is rapidly increasing, such as swelling across 2 large joints (for example, from the elbow to the shoulder)?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have swelling that has gradually increased across 2 large joints, such as from the elbow to the shoulder?

Yes

Do you have swelling of the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, and that is not where you were bitten or stung?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have moderate swelling (an area about the size of your palm) that has not begun to improve after 24 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Is your eyelid still swollen completely shut 24 hours or longer after being bitten or stung near the eye?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	February 01, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Sean P. Bush, MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine and Envenomation Specialist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer