Hornet sting

Summer is undoubtedly a warm, wonderful time of year. However, it is not without unpleasant surprises. For example, a simple hornet sting can ruin a long-awaited vacation and significantly damage your health.

Is a hornet sting dangerous?

Anyone who has ever been bitten by a hornet certainly wonders whether a hornet bite is dangerous. Let's figure it out. So, a hornet bite has a number of adverse effects. It is not dangerous in itself, since deadly poison is not injected directly during the bite, as happens, for example, with a snake bite. But the effects that develop in the body some time after the bite can be dangerous. So, a bite is especially dangerous for people who have an increased tendency to allergic reactions.

With saliva, enzymes enter the human body, which have a very specific effect on the body. For example, with a tendency to allergic reactions, a response reaction develops, depending on the type of reaction. The most dangerous is the hypersensitivity reaction, which develops according to the immediate type, since in this case anaphylactic shock or Quincke's edema develops, which are characterized by a sharp increase, a serious condition. Often ends in asphyxia, suffocation. Less dangerous is a person's tendency to delayed-type reactions. They develop more slowly, however, they can also have a number of adverse effects, including edema, inflammatory reactions.

A bite on the throat, mouth, lips, and any other areas near the throat and nose is especially dangerous, since in this case an attack of suffocation quickly develops, and the person can suffocate even before emergency assistance is provided. In such a case, a tracheotomy is almost always indicated.

With various concomitant diseases, a person may develop severe consequences and complications. A bite from a person suffering from heart disease is considered dangerous, since it can provoke severe diseases, including hypertensive or hypotensive crisis, arrhythmia, heart failure, ischemia, angina attack, and so on. In kidney and liver diseases, a bite can provoke the development of an inflammatory process, metabolic disorders, hormonal background. We have touched on only a small part of the consequences that can develop as a result of a hornet bite. In fact, the list of possible consequences is much wider. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether a hornet bite is dangerous is quite obvious. It is worth noting that the bite is most dangerous for children, especially infants, since all reactions in their body are more severe and develop at a much faster rate (due to high metabolism).

Epidemiology

According to statistics, 78% of hornet stings occur due to people consuming various food products and drinks on the street. In 65% of cases, people of teenage, young and mature age are subject to stings, while only 5% of stings are suffered by elderly people. Children under 12 years of age account for approximately 39% of stings. [ 1 ]

Statistics on complications also vary. Anaphylactic shock develops in approximately 16% of cases. Increased reaction, which is accompanied by a systemic manifestation - in approximately 54% of cases. About 25% of cases are accompanied by normal, moderate swelling, itching, redness. In approximately 4.5% of cases, no reaction is noted, or mild itching appears, the bite site is slightly noticeable. Up to 0.5% of cases end in death. [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Causes hornet sting

Obviously, the reason for a hornet bite is such behavior that provokes the insect to bite. It is worth noting that insects rarely (or rather, almost never) attack a person without reason. If an insect bites, then there is a reason that provoked it to such a reaction. Perhaps the animal is defending itself. Or there are substances and products nearby that attract it - sweets, flower aromas, pollen, nectar, juice, honey.

Risk factors

The main risk factors are substances that have a strong smell and a certain taste. Most often, insects are attracted by a sweet aroma and taste, so they will fly especially intensively to sweets, especially those of natural origin - honey, natural juices, nectars, fresh berries and fruits, ice cream, candy, jelly, marmalade. Insects are also attracted by aromatic cosmetics, sprays, deodorants, essential oils. Much less often, insects are attracted by the aromas of meat, fish, spices, however, they can also act as risk factors. Also, insufficient observance of hygiene rules, sweat, other natural biological secretions of humans and animals can attract insects.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis is based on the development of a non-specific response to the ingress of saliva components into the body. Hornet saliva usually contains a large number of enzymes, which are protein compounds. They act as foreign agents, so they are perceived by the body as antigens. An immune response develops to them, aimed at eliminating, neutralizing and eliminating the substance from the body. The reaction is a complex mechanism involving neuroregulatory, immune, endocrine reactions, inflammatory factors, mediators, allergic reaction cells, neurohormones, immunoglobulins, and other specific and non-specific factors.

The leading role in pathogenesis is given to a local allergic reaction, which subsequently triggers a systemic reaction at the level of the whole organism. Directly at the site of the bite, the non-specific resistance system is activated, then an immune reaction is launched, aimed at destroying the antigen that entered with saliva. This is accompanied by activation of the T-cell link, then at the second stage the B-cell link of immunity is activated (humoral immune response). Cellular reactions and phagocytosis develop. Lymphocytes, monophages, neutrophils migrate to the site of the bite. An inflammatory reaction gradually develops. The process is supported by the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. There is a sharp release of histamine, heparin, substance P, neuropeptides, cytokines, which support the inflammatory process, change the reactivity of the body, change the state of the microcirculatory bed, capillary permeability. [ 4 ]

If the local reaction is not stopped in time, the process may become generalized and a systemic reaction will begin to develop at the level of the entire organism. In case of excessive sensitization, if the organism reacts sharply to antigens, anaphylactic shock may develop (the pathogenesis is based on a violation of immune reactivity, in which the organism develops hypersensitivity to antigens). In response to their entry into the organism, a sharp release of histamine occurs in huge quantities, which entails edema, anaphylaxis, swelling and tissue spasm. An immediate hypersensitivity reaction develops, which is manifested by anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock). All this leads to the development of an attack of suffocation, a sharp drop in blood pressure, temperature. It can end in death, especially for patients with bronchial asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, airway obstruction, an attack of suffocation often develops.

If the reaction is normal, an adequate, moderate inflammatory or allergic reaction develops at the site of the bite, which is controlled by the immune system.

Symptoms hornet sting

The main symptom of a bite is a sharp, burning pain at the site of the bite. It feels as if the skin has been pierced by a hot needle. The pain is combined with a burning sensation, a feeling of increased local temperature. After some time, itching, redness, and swelling develop. However, there are cases when a person does not feel the bite. Then the bite can be judged indirectly by such non-specific signs as swelling, redness, burning, and itching. The bite site is directly visible on the body as a dot. The reaction can also affect surrounding tissues, spreading to the entire body. In this case, symptoms such as chills and fever occur. Intoxication, signs of reaction progression, and the development of a systemic inflammatory reaction are not excluded.

The first sign that you have been bitten by a hornet is a sharp stabbing or burning pain (it is characterized in different ways). With increased sensitization, the reaction develops rapidly, the bite site quickly swells, and redness develops. In the center, a point from the puncture of the skin is usually clearly visible, around which redness, compaction, and swelling develop. [ 5 ]

What does a hornet sting look like?

A hornet bite looks like a round redness, which is often accompanied by hyperemia, swelling, and compaction. A small compacted bump appears on the body. Red and swollen. A bright red dot is visible in the center - the bite site, from which the redness and swelling spread.

• Asian Hornet Sting

It is especially dangerous for Europeans, since the saliva of this hornet has pronounced antigenic properties for people of the European race. A person bitten by an Asian hornet needs immediate emergency care.

• Japanese Hornet Sting

Accompanied by pronounced severe allergic reactions. Anaphylactic shock often develops. If you are going to an area where you may be bitten by a Japanese hornet, it is better to stock up on anti-allergic drugs in the form of injections, take with you means that will help provide emergency assistance in case of anaphylaxis.

• Black hornet sting

When bitten by a black hornet, pain is not always felt, since its saliva contains. In addition to enzymes, there are substances that have an anesthetic, analgesic effect on humans. It is worth noting that despite the absence of acute pain. The reaction can develop extremely quickly and have serious consequences. Progressive Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock often develop.

Hornet sting child

If a child is bitten by a hornet, this is an extremely dangerous situation, since the child develops an allergic reaction very quickly, and it is severe. Choking, bronchial spasm, asthma attack, anaphylaxis often develop. Complications from the heart, kidneys, collapse, nervous reactions, convulsions, paralysis, respiratory arrest may develop.

A hornet bite can be accompanied by severe itching, pain, and burning. This is due to the increased reaction of the child's body to the enzyme that enters the human body with the bite. It causes the development of an inflammatory, allergic reaction. Usually, special anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic drugs are required. Local antipruritic ointments can be used. Quite often, tavegil or loratadine are prescribed for a hornet bite (not recommended for children under 6 years of age, after 6 years, take 1 tablet per day, since these are prolonged-action drugs).

Hornet sting during pregnancy

Serious consequences develop if a hornet sting occurs during pregnancy. It can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus. During this period, the body already experiences increased stress, is in a state of adaptation, increased sensitization. Reactions to everything are hypertrophied, intoxication develops. A bite aggravates this condition. Against the background of increased allergization, sensitization, there is a high risk of anaphylaxis, up to and including death. Ordinary edema often turns into Quincke's edema. It causes severe gestosis, various types of insufficiency. [ 6 ]

• Hornet sting while breastfeeding

The greatest danger of a hornet sting during breastfeeding is that it may be necessary to suspend feeding for some time. This is due to the fact that the mother's body rapidly produces antibodies, and the inflammatory process and allergy develop rapidly. Almost always, there is a need to take antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics. They accumulate in milk, and their entry into the child's body is unacceptable. However, if the mother does not take medications, feeding can continue.

Complications and consequences

The most unfavorable and dangerous complications and consequences that develop after a hornet sting include inflammation, swelling, allergic reactions, the extreme manifestation of which is multiple organ failure, [ 7 ] Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock, and an attack of suffocation.

Complications may arise from the cardiovascular system, kidneys, [ 8 ] liver, [ 9 ] up to multiple organ failure and death. In case of heart disease, congenital defects, myocardial infarction in the anamnesis, sudden death often develops. Also, the danger is that a severe inflammatory process, bacterial complication, purulent-septic process may develop when the infection enters the body. Bacteremia, sepsis is the extreme stage of infection. [ 10 ]

Less dangerous conditions are swelling, irritation, hyperemia, urticaria, hematoma at the site of the bite, severe itching. The hornet bite is especially dangerous for pregnant women and newborns. Their reaction develops extremely quickly, an attack of suffocation may develop. For the same reason, the bite is also dangerous for people who are prone to respiratory diseases, have bronchial asthma, bronchitis in the anamnesis. Pregnancy after a bite can end in miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, premature abortions. Pregnancy complications, gestosis, complicated labor often develop, there are known cases of stillbirth, fetal defects, damage to the central nervous system.

How long does a hornet sting last?

How long a hornet sting will last depends on the state of the body, primarily on how sensitized it is, on the state of the immune system, the presence of concomitant diseases. Some other individual characteristics are also important: age, living conditions of the person. It also depends on whether the person was given timely emergency care, whether the bite site was treated, what medications the person took. But on average, it takes from 5 to 10 days for the bite to completely pass.

Is a hornet sting fatal?

People often wonder if a hornet sting is dangerous. If you look into this issue thoroughly, you can definitely answer that the sting itself is not dangerous. But its consequences can be extremely severe, even fatal. It is especially dangerous for people with a history of increased sensitization, with a tendency to allergic and atopic reactions. The most dangerous condition is Quincke's edema, anaphylaxis, which can result in a critical drop in pressure, coma and even death. It is also extremely dangerous for people with cardiac and vascular pathologies, since there is a high risk of hypertensive crisis, a drop in pressure to critical conditions. Arrhythmia, extrasystole, and even myocardial infarction, or sudden death syndrome can develop.

In fact, death from a hornet sting is an extremely rare phenomenon, however, it is not excluded. It is recorded in approximately 0.5% of cases. People with a history of allergic diseases and increased sensitization of the body die. If a person is prone to hypersensitivity reactions that occur according to the immediate type, then in response to a sting, an attack of suffocation and anaphylactic shock develops within a few minutes. A person may die or fall into a coma if he is not given emergency care. Cases of sudden death are known (registered in people with a history of myocardial infarction with extensive necrosis zones).

Allergy to a hornet sting

In essence, an allergy to a hornet sting is a natural reaction of the immune system to the entry of an antigen into the body (with saliva during a sting). The degree of expression of an allergic reaction can vary and is determined by the initial state of the body - its level of sensitization, tendency to allergic reactions. If an antigen enters a sensitized body, the reaction occurs rapidly and quickly, progressing at a tremendous pace. [ 11 ]

There are two types of allergic reactions – HGH NT (immediate type) and HGH TT (delayed type). The first case is more dangerous, as severe, immediate reactions develop, rapidly gaining momentum. A person needs immediate emergency care, as death may occur. This includes anaphylaxis, suffocation. Immediate reactions develop slowly, some time after the bite. They are less dangerous, moderately expressed. As a rule, they are represented by local reactions – local inflammation, hyperemia, irritation, urticaria, itching, swelling.

If a person is not prone to allergic reactions, the body's sensitivity to allergens is within the permissible age norm, the reaction proceeds at a moderate rate (swelling, hyperemia, and a minor inflammatory process often develop, which gradually pass on their own or against the background of taking antihistamines).

Diagnostics hornet sting

Diagnostics is important because if we know exactly who bit us, we will be able to choose the most effective treatment and provide emergency care, which will help avoid serious conditions and complications. In order to diagnose a hornet bite, you need to go to any clinic or hospital. It can even be a trauma center. You can contact your local therapist, who will tell you about further actions, refer you to the necessary specialists if necessary, prescribe the necessary tests, instrumental studies. In emergency cases, especially if a person has a tendency to allergic diseases, you should immediately call an ambulance, even if. At first glance, the person's condition is not critical. Usually, the diagnosis is based on the clinical picture by simply examining the bite site and identifying the characteristic features: swelling, puffiness, redness, compaction and a point from the bite in the center.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics is based on the need to differentiate a hornet bite from other insect bites. This is not always easy to do. It is good if a person has seen the insect and knows for sure that the bite was inflicted by a hornet. If a person does not know this, this can significantly complicate the diagnosis, since many bites have similar symptoms. It is especially difficult to make an accurate diagnosis if a person is prone to allergic reactions, has developed an attack, a serious condition, severe swelling. In such a situation, it is not so critical to know who exactly bit you. Emergency care is provided based on the symptoms presented. In other cases, it is necessary to determine those distinguishing features that are necessary for making the correct diagnosis and that distinguish a hornet bite from the bites of other insects.

For example, when a hornet bites, a white dot from the bite is always visible in the center, and swelling and redness spread almost evenly around it. Also, a characteristic feature is the formation of a tubercle, tissue compaction. Itching is not the main symptom, pain and burning may be present.

Whereas, for example, with a wasp sting, redness rarely develops. The skin, on the contrary, rather turns white, a thickening appears. In the center of the sting, a sting is visible, which must be pulled out as quickly as possible.

When bitten by a bee or bumblebee, the symptoms are similar, but compaction rarely develops. Basically, the bite site becomes soft, loose, as if swelling.

A gadfly bite is characterized by severe redness and inflammation, since the gadfly can lay eggs. A distinctive feature is the sensation of the bite itself, which most often manifests itself as a sharp, stabbing pain. It immediately begins to burn strongly. The burning sensation gradually increases, the bite site turns red and swells. A puncture of the skin is clearly visible on it (a small trace of the bite is visible).

Prevention

Prevention is based on the use of special means against insects. It is also important to avoid being in places where insects live, and in no case eat outside, especially sweets or honey. If you are going out into nature, it is better to take an anti-allergic drug with you to be able to provide emergency assistance in a timely manner in the event of a hornet bite. In addition, in order to prevent complications, you need to maintain your immunity in good condition, in particular, maintain endurance and good shape. Before any hike, it is better to be tested by an immunologist or allergist. Today, there are many courses for training tourists and travelers, which teach the basics of providing emergency assistance in case of accidents, injuries, and bites. It is better to attend them before the trip, especially if you are planning a trip to places where insects may live. Drinking plenty of fluids is required. This will allow you to avoid complications in the event of a bite and recover faster.

The main condition for how to avoid bites from hornets and other insects is to not leave anything attractive to them nearby (honey, sweets, jam, compotes). In order not to attract hornets, it is better not to eat anything outside. You can use special insect repellent. And the main thing is to always be prepared for a bite. No bite should take you by surprise. You should always clearly know what to do and how to provide emergency assistance, there should be an anti-allergic agent nearby. This will help to avoid adverse effects of a bite.

Forecast

If a person receives emergency care in a timely manner, the prognosis may be favorable. But if emergency care is not provided, a hornet sting is accompanied by adverse local and systemic reactions. In people with a tendency to allergies, with bronchial asthma and cardiovascular pathologies, it may have serious consequences, including death.