Wednesday, October 22, 2008

bee sting

bee-sting are very deadly

The fact is that bee-sting is deadly when massive. Medically speaking, the reaction following the sting is termed as anaphylaxis — an allergic or hyper-sensitivity reaction to a toxin, an allergen, a drug or any such “foreign” agent.

The effects of bee-sting depend upon the amount of toxins introduced in the body by the bees. It immediately initiates a cascade of immunological reactions finally resulting in dilatation and hyperpermeability of blood vessels. A single sting is generally mild with local pain, swelling and itching which subsides within a few hours. If the bees involved are many and the amount of toxin is heavy, there may be a drop in blood pressure and accumulation of fluids, particularly in the lungs.

In addition, there is an acute airways obstruction in the lungs due to bronchial constriction. All these events may occur within minutes causing an instant death. A sudden drop in blood pressure due to an anaphylactic reaction is commonly termed as anaphylactic shock. It is characterised by breathlessness, vomiting, diarrhoea and collapse. Bite by about 300 or more bees may cause death due to direct effects of the toxins.

Anaphylactic shock, such as due to bee-sting, may also occur following the injection of a drug or occasionally after taking food. Sudden death following penicillin injection is one of the most commonly known examples. Some other drugs may similarly result in such a reaction. This type of drug reaction is generally seen with a few antibiotics, protein-based drugs and sometimes vaccines. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict an abnormal (or anaphylactic) reaction. Even very small and insignificant amounts are known to cause anaphylaxis.

The more common honeybees and bumble bees found in India attack only when a colony is disturbed. After a bite, the bees lose their stings and subsequently die. Many other species of bees are known to behave differently. Importantly, the bees demonstrate a collective behaviour typically of a well coordinated army.

The best way to prevent bee-sting anaphylaxis is to avoid the bee-sting. This, however, may occur as an accident with an individual getting caught entirely as an innocent bystander. Individuals involved in work with or in areas with beehives need to wear protective clothing, including on the face, arms and feet. Others attacked accidentally should take steps to minimise the effects. It is better to sit with the head inside the knees and the arms covering the sides. Minimise the exposed areas as far as possible. Panic running in an open space must be avoided. As stated earlier, the bees, like an army, follow the running individual and try to pin him down.

Immediately after the attack is over, the stinging apparatus left embedded on the body should be scalped down. This can be achieved with a blunt knife, any other blade or a card with a sharp edge. Stings can also be removed with the help of finger nails or forceps when the help becomes available. But is important not to rub or squeeze the stings on the body.

Application of ice-packs on the skin causes a soothing effect and minimises the absorption of venom. It is most important to treat the anaphylactic reaction. There are a few emergency drugs which need to be administered by injection. Blood pressure is required to be restored and maintained.

Some patients may not respond to the standard treatment. This is usually attributable to a massive attack and a delay in the availability of treatment. Unresponsive anaphylaxis responsible for death remains an enigma. It strikes like a bolt from the blue. Death from drug anaphylaxis is known to occur when the syringe is still in the body, even before the injection is complete. Similarly, bee-sting anaphylaxis can sometimes be fatal at the site of bee-attack itself.


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