Human bite: symptoms and signs

Summer, in addition to all its charms, is fraught with certain troubles, and even a certain danger. An example of such a danger could be a gadfly bite. It not only causes such unpleasant consequences as itching, swelling, but also can cause serious deterioration in health, and even death, for example, in case of a strong allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock.

What is dangerous gadfly bite?

The danger lies primarily in the fact that a severe allergic reaction can develop, which will lead to a serious condition, and even death. Adverse effects, danger to life develops in the event that anaphylactic shock, angioedema develops. [1]Failure to provide emergency care such states end in death. Less dangerous conditions - edema, urticaria, hematoma at the site of the bite, severe itching. If a person has combed a bite, it can lead to infection, an inflammatory process that is no less dangerous than an allergy. The gadfly bite is also dangerous because a person may develop a choking attack, especially in people who have a tendency to respiratory tract diseases, have bronchial asthma, a history of bronchitis.

Epidemiology

According to statistics, most often bites are children. So, at the age of 7 years every fourth child is bitten by gadflies. At the age of 12, every third person is bitten. Anaphylactic shock develops in about 18% of cases. An increased reaction, which is accompanied by a systemic manifestation at the level of the whole organism, an increase in temperature, a pronounced inflammatory process at the site of the bite, develops in about 45% of cases. Approximately 35% of cases are accompanied by edema, itching, redness directly at the site of the bite, which is quite effectively treated with the help of specially selected therapy.[2], [3]

Risk factors

At risk are people who spend a lot of time outdoors: in the yard, in the garden, in the garden, in city parks, and in the woods. It is especially dangerous if fragrant vegetation grows nearby, flowers are blooming that attract insects. The danger increases in the event that there are food, sweets. Especially attractive for insects sweets, such as honey, sugar, cotton candy, ripe fruit. Significantly increases the risk of people who eat on the street, arrange picnics, use fragrant cosmetics, especially if it has a sweet smell.

Pathogenesis

The basis of the pathogenesis is an allergic reaction that develops at the site of the bite. At first, this is a local reaction, but then it can turn into a generalized, systemic reaction, affecting the whole organism. After a bite, a small amount of saliva that contains enzymes enters the body along with the sting. They are perceived by the human immune system as foreign agents.

An immune reaction is launched to destroy this antigen (allergen). This is accompanied by the activation of the T-cell immunity (a cellular immune response develops). In the second stage, the B-cell immunity is activated (humoral immune response). First of all, cellular reactions, phagocytosis develop. Lymphocytes, monofogs, and neutrophils immediately begin to migrate to the site of the bite, the main task of which is to neutralize and remove from the body all that is genetically alien to it (and therefore dangerous). A reaction develops, in which often the antigen dies, but with it the cells of the immune system also die. New cells come to the rescue. Thus, the inflammatory reaction gradually develops at the site of the bite.

Additionally, in order to "help" immune cells fight antigens, the humoral immunity begins to synthesize additional chemical factors. There is a sharp release of histamine, which supports the inflammatory process. Excessive release and causes an allergic reaction. The pathogenesis of a gadfly bite is also associated with the active production of tissue mediators, enzymes that enter the inflammatory focus and help immune cells fight antigens. If the local reaction is not stopped in time, the process can be generalized, and a systemic response will begin to develop at the level of the whole organism. Excessive activation of the immune system is dangerous because it can develop autoimmune reactions, the essence of which is that the reaction to protect turns into a reaction that is dangerous for the organism itself. Some cells of the human body begin to be perceived by the immune system as foreign, and begin to be destroyed, as well as antigens. Possible autoimmune reaction in which important body tissues are attacked.[4]

Anaphylactic shock can also occur when a gadfire bites. The basis of pathogenesis is a violation of the immune reactivity, in which the body develops hypersensitivity to antigens. In response to their entry into the body, an abrupt release of histamine occurs in large quantities. It is they who cause the symptoms of anaphylaxis, which requires immediate emergency care.

What happens after a gadfly bite?

The first thing that happens after the bite of a gadfly is that an immune reaction develops, which is aimed at eliminating the antigen from the body. As an antigen are those enzymes that are ingested with saliva and sting.

It is worth noting that with increased sensitization of the body, hypersensitivity develops, which is accompanied by the fact that the body over-reacts strongly to the antigen, and an immediate-type hypersensitivity reaction develops, which is manifested by anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock). In this state, a large amount of histamine is dramatically released into the bloodstream, which leads to the development of an attack of suffocation, a sharp drop in blood pressure and temperature. May end in death. Patients with bronchial asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, and airway obstruction often develop an asthma attack.

If the reaction is normal, a small inflammatory or allergic reaction develops at the site of the bite, which soon passes if the place of the bite is properly treated.

In any case, whatever the reaction, you need to visit a doctor. At least in order to make sure that the gadfly larvae did not get infected and you are not threatened with a parasitic disease. In order to make a diagnosis, the easiest way to contact the district therapist. He will prescribe the necessary tests, the examination scheme, and direct it to the necessary specialists. Based on the results, the necessary treatment will be prescribed.

Do gadfly lay eggs when they bite?

Gadflies have the ability to lay eggs under the skin of cattle. It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question whether they lay eggs when a person is bitten. Currently, there is no reason to argue that they are not capable of this. However, it is found that in most cases, they do not lay eggs. Most bites do not entail parasitic invasion (approximately 96%). However, there are isolated cases in which a parasitic disease developed after a bite with a gadfly (1-2 weeks after the bite, numerous passages from the larvae appeared in this place). Other signs of parasitic invasion also appeared. But these are exceptional cases. It should be borne in mind that cattle is the main host for gadfly larvae. Therefore, in contact with animals, you need to follow precautions. Larvae trapped on human skin, take root under the skin and cause parasitic disease.

Symptoms of the gadfly bite

Such symptoms as redness at the site of the bite, itching, and burning indicate the gadfire bite. Gradually, the severity of these symptoms increases. If at this stage the site of the bite is not treated correctly and the anti-allergic agent is not taken, the inflammatory and allergic reaction increases. As the reaction progresses, edema, hyperemia, induration at the site of the bite appear. The reaction can affect the surrounding tissue, extending far beyond the bite. Later, common symptoms such as chills, fever. Intoxication, signs of progression of the reaction, development of a systemic inflammatory reaction may appear.

It is not difficult to guess that the very first sign by which a gadfly bite can be recognized is the feeling of the bite itself, which most often manifests itself as a sharp pain of a piercing character. To many, it resembles a sharp painful injection, which immediately begins to bake hard. The burning sensation gradually increases, the bite reddens, swells. It has a pronounced puncture of the skin (a small bite mark is noticeable). Redness and swelling appear around. But there are also cases when a person does not directly feel the bite. Then the foremost manifestation of the bite appears - violation of the integrity of the skin, puncture, redness and swelling around the bite, itching or burning, less often - pain. When the first signs of a bite appear, you should consult a doctor and not wait for the condition to deteriorate. An infectious disease surgeon may be required. The basis of the diagnosis is the clinical picture of the pathology, as well as data from diagnostic studies.

What is the trace of the bite gadfly?

What trace will remain on the skin from the bite of a gadfly depends on the individual response of the body to foreign factors (on the state of the immune system), as well as on the level of body sensitization, which determines the severity of the allergic reaction.

With increased sensitization, increased reactivity of the immune system, the reaction develops abruptly, the bite site quickly swells, redness develops. At the site of the bite is usually clearly visible point from the puncture of the skin sting. Around her develops redness, compaction, swelling. The size of this trace depends on the reaction and can vary from a point, without edema, or with minimal swelling and redness (a few millimeters) to pronounced edema, which affects large areas of the body. For example, if you bite the palm, the whole arm may swell, up to the shoulder.

Gadfly Bite

Directly during the bite, the gadfly almost never lays eggs and larvae in the human body. But he can lay them in the body of cattle (under the skin). A person becomes infected with larvae upon contact with infected animals. Recognize the larvae by the characteristic passages under the skin, without the accompanying bite of a gadfly. Similarly, accompanied by an inflammatory process and an allergic reaction. It is necessary to process the bite site as quickly as possible, which will prevent an allergic reaction, inflammation, and will be a reliable prevention of infection. It is better to use alcohol, or other alcohol-containing tinctures. To avoid infection, after biting a gadfly or contact with larvae (with infected cattle), it is better to treat the bite with alcohol-containing tinctures for at least 10 days. 

Bite of a gadfly

Bull gadflies often live on bulls and cows. The bite is not perceptible and not dangerous for livestock, but causes a strong reaction in humans (meaning that cows do not develop anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity, or suffocation from the bite). This is due to the fact that cows and bulls have skin covered with protective lubricant. If this is not enough, in addition cattle rolls in the mud. Dry dirt protects against bites. But cows have another danger - gadflies lay eggs under the skin, from which the larvae subsequently hatch, and then new insects develop. But this is already dangerous by the development of a serious parasitic disease, an inflammatory process. The greatest risk is that the larvae form passages under the skin, feed on the tissue sap and the blood of animals. They can penetrate the bloodstream, infect internal organs, tissues. As a result, the animal may die.

A large number of bovine gadfly on pastures, in barns, on farms and agricultural enterprises. The possibility of a bite should be foreseen in contact with animals. Therefore, you should have a first aid kit for emergency services. It is also recommended to wear clothes that will protect against bites: long pants, jackets with long sleeves. Classic bite symptoms: skin puncture, burning, itching, redness, swelling.

Gadfly bite during pregnancy

A high degree of risk and danger arises when a gadfire bites during pregnancy. During this period, the body is already experiencing increased stress, since there is an active restructuring of all functions, there is a hormonal failure, a decrease in immunity. The body develops increased sensitization, a high level of histamine, which predetermines a pronounced allergic and inflammatory reaction, significantly increases the risk of developing hypersensitivity, severe edema, asphyxiation, anaphylactic shock. The particular danger is related to the fact that not only the mother risks, but also the child (fetus). A bite can affect a pregnancy in a completely unpredictable way. There is a risk of miscarriage, fading of pregnancy, stillbirth, defects in fetal development, or various complications.

It should be borne in mind that during pregnancy, the immunity of women decreases, so the risk of developing an infection, infection of the bite site, the likelihood of parasitic invasion increases sharply. A bite must be reported to the doctor who is leading the pregnancy.

The place of the bite should be smeared with a special ointment designed to relieve itching and eliminate the inflammatory process. Well helps chloramphenicol ointment. It is applied with a thin layer on the skin, carefully rubbed. You can also dissolve a tablet of dipyrone or aspirin in a few milliliters of warm boiled water. Wet cotton wool in the resulting solution, then rub the bite with this solution. The duration of treatment is 7-10 days.[5]

Gadfly Bite

Due to the fact that the child's body is more sensitive, with the bite of a gadfly, an allergic reaction, swelling, redness and other reactions develop much faster. Therefore, you need to immediately assist, and be sure to give the child antiallergic agent.[6]

To relieve itching, pain and allergic reactions, painkillers are often prescribed, for example, paracetamol, analgin, aspirin. It is recommended to take a pill 2-3 times a day. [7]Anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine agents are very effective. The structure of therapy often includes not only traditional medicines, but also folk, homeopathic recipes, herbal medicine.

Complications and consequences

The bite of the gadfly itches almost always. Why? Because it is associated with the body's response to an enzyme that enters the human body with a bite. It causes the development of an inflammatory, allergic reaction. First of all, inflammatory mediators and histamine arrive at the site of the bite. They contribute to the development of itching. Itching also occurs when the bite heals, and the skin is restored. Regenerative processes are always accompanied by itching, since they are associated with biochemical reactions that develop in the skin.

Usually require special anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic agents. Quite often, when a bite of a gadfly is prescribed, tavegil or loratodin are prescribed (take 1 tablet per day, since these are drugs of prolonged action). Duration of action is 24 hours. To eliminate local symptoms, it is necessary to apply various ointments, which rather quickly and effectively relieve itching, inflammation, prevent the development of an infectious process. Other implications of a gadfly bite are here.

 

Diagnostics of the gadfly bite

In order to diagnose the bite of a hornet, you need to contact any clinic or hospital. The diagnosis can be made by a surgeon, therapeutist, traumatologist, allergist, infectious disease specialist. There is no doctor, as such, who is directly involved in the diagnosis of insect bites. But you can always go to the therapist, and he will refer you to the right doctor, select the treatment and diagnostic regimen, prescribe the necessary tests, instrumental studies. Usually, the diagnosis is made based on the clinical picture of the developed pathology, based on the inspection of the bite site.

Differential diagnosis

The basis of differential diagnosis is the need to identify those distinguishing features that are necessary for making a correct diagnosis, and which distinguish the features of a gadfire bite from the bites of other insects. Further treatment and its effectiveness largely depends on this.

Treatment of the gadfly bite

If you bit a gadfly, treatment should be aimed at preventing the main effects of the bite, including an allergic reaction, intoxication. This is due to the fact that the most dangerous consequence of a bite is an allergic reaction, which develops quite quickly. The greatest danger of a bite is in the development of an immediate type of reaction, which begins to develop immediately, progresses rather quickly and leads to disastrous consequences. The greatest danger is that anaphylactic shock can develop. Its consequences are extremely difficult, up to a lethal outcome, the development of hypoxia, asphyxiation. It should also be borne in mind that the risk increases many times in people prone to allergic reactions, asthma attacks, respiratory disorders.

In addition to the relief of an allergic attack, the reaction, treatment should be aimed at relieving pain syndrome (if any), preventing the infection from entering the bite site and developing an inflammatory and infectious process.

In this case, it is important to react and provide urgent assistance. First, you need to remove the sting as quickly as possible. Secondly, after removing the sting, a cold is applied to the affected place. To prevent an allergic reaction, you should take an anti-allergic tablet as soon as possible, or inject it intramuscularly. After providing emergency care, the affected area for quite a long time needs to be treated with various ointments. Ointment is usually picked up by a doctor. But in the absence of the opportunity to consult a doctor, it is better to opt for anti-inflammatory or antiseptic ointments. The latter are particularly relevant in the event that there is a risk of infection with a bite, a wound, a violation of the integrity of the skin. You can also use various alternative and homeopathic remedies.

The patient needs to provide plenty of drink. With the development of signs of intoxication (fever, chills, fever), it is necessary to take sorbents, antipyretics. That is, mainly, symptomatic therapy aimed at relieving the main symptoms of the pathology.

Prevention

The basis of prevention is primarily the use of special means against insects, against the bites of gadflies, gadflies. Important timely diagnosis. It is necessary to avoid being in the habitats of insects, do not eat on the street. In order to prevent complications, a strong allergic reaction, it is necessary to maintain immunity in good condition, in particular, to maintain stamina and good shape. It is important to exercise, eat right and observe the daily regimen. You need to consume enough vitamin. Drink plenty of drink. This will allow in case of a bite to avoid complications, heal faster.

How to protect against the bites of gadflies and gadflies?

In order to protect yourself from insect bites, you should not leave anything attractive for them near. Should be kept away sweets, jam, compotes. In order not to attract gadflies and gadflies, it is better not to eat anything on the street. It is also important not to be in places where there are many insects, where flowers bloom, honey is sold. In addition, you must use special protective equipment that can be purchased at the pharmacy.

Forecast

If a person is treated urgently, the prognosis may be favorable. If to prevent anaphylactic, painful shock, the bite site heals quickly, no traces remain. But if you do not provide emergency assistance,  a gadfire bite  can have serious consequences, even death.