Severe Reaction to Bed Bug Bites: Can It Affect Your Health Long-Term?

by Jan
(Cheshire, UK)

Reader Comment: Experiencing Severe Health Effects After Bed Bug Bites

I was bitten over 300 times between the 12th and 15th of August. I have been ill ever since, heart palpitations, pneumonia, which is now gone. I am left with extreme fatigue when doing anything physical like climbing the stairs or walking more than a few yards. It is now two months and I am very fed up that my life is changed. Has anyone else had this and how or when did you get better?

Our Response

Hi, thank you for sharing your experience. Being bitten so many times and experiencing ongoing health challenges is understandably distressing. Let’s address your concerns and explore possible connections between bed bug bites and your symptoms, as well as steps you can take to recover.

Can Bed Bug Bites Cause Severe Health Issues?

• Immediate Reactions: Bed bug bites typically cause localized itching, redness, and swelling. However, severe allergic reactions (known as anaphylaxis) or secondary skin infections can occur in some cases.
• Systemic Reactions: While rare, multiple bites can trigger systemic effects such as fever, fatigue, or inflammation, especially if there is an underlying sensitivity or immune response.
• Heart Palpitations and Fatigue: These symptoms are not typically associated with bed bug bites directly. However, stress, anxiety, or an allergic response could contribute to these issues.

What May Be Contributing to Your Ongoing Symptoms?

• Infection or Allergic Reaction: If you scratched the bites, it’s possible that a secondary infection or prolonged inflammation is causing lingering symptoms.
• Post-Treatment Fatigue: Recovering from pneumonia or other illnesses can lead to lingering fatigue and weakness, particularly if your body is still healing.
• Stress or Anxiety: Dealing with an infestation and its impact on your health can cause emotional strain, which may manifest as physical symptoms like fatigue or heart palpitations.

Steps to Help You Recover

1. Consult Your Doctor: If you haven’t already, follow up with your healthcare provider to rule out lingering infections, allergic responses, or other underlying health issues.
2. Support Your Immune System: Focus on a balanced diet, hydration, and rest to help your body recover. Consider taking a multivitamin or other doctor-approved supplements.
3. Manage Stress: Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or light physical activity (as tolerated) can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
4. Skin Care: Treat any remaining bite marks with soothing creams or antihistamines to reduce itching and inflammation.

When to Seek Further Help

• Persistent Symptoms: If your fatigue, heart palpitations, or other symptoms persist, ask your doctor about further tests, such as bloodwork or a cardiac evaluation.
• Emotional Support: If the situation has affected your mental health, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who can help you cope with the impact of the infestation and recovery process.

Your experience highlights the serious challenges that can arise from severe bed bug infestations. While bed bug bites are not typically life-threatening, the emotional and physical toll can be significant. By addressing your ongoing symptoms with medical care, self-care, and stress management, you can work toward regaining your health. Let us know if you have more questions or updates—we’re here to help!


Best regards,
Jeff,
Editor and Publisher,
Bed Bugs Handbook