A 67-year-old woman died this Monday after the (Alicante). Minutes after the bite, the woman, a British national, has lost consciousness as a result of a (a severe allergic reaction).
Upon arrival of the emergency servicesand after performing advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers and other recovery techniques, it has only been possible to certify his death.
With the arrival of the , and more in some areas of Spain where they are already enjoying an early summer, we begin to see the first specimens of wasps and bees. And although its bite may seem harmless, in certain population groups it is a real risk.
According to the (SEAIC), in our country “the prevalence of extensive local reactions due to hymenopteran stings (bees, wasps, ants…), which we commonly understand as swelling of the bite areawhich persists for about 24 hours, is between 5.3% and 26.4%”.
As SEAIC estimates, 2.3% of the general population suffers a generalized reaction throughout the body, known as a systemic reaction, after a wasp or bee sting. As for those who suffer a fatal reaction, the figures are between 0.03 and 0.48 deaths per million people per year.
In the case of patients with a history of severe reactions to wasp stings, or diagnosed, immediately notify the emergency services and apply the prescribed treatment.
In the European Union alone, each year about 200 people die as a result of the bite of one of these insects.
Bites: what types are there?
As already indicated, all people do not react the same to a wasp or bee sting. When one of these insects bites in any area of the body, they introduce poison into our body. A set of substances, many of them toxic, that make our body react.
There are three reactions to bee and wasp venom.
- Reactions due to the action of the poison. After the bite, a short-term skin reaction appears, with redness and swelling around the bite site, with a diameter of less than 10 cm. Depending on the area of the bite, we can feel more or less intense pain, and even itching, which will disappear in a matter of a few hours.
- extensive local reactions. In these cases, things get a bit complicated, because the inflammation extends beyond 10 centimeters and lasts much longer. For example, if we have had the bad luck of being bitten in one hand or one foot, the whole arm or part of the leg can become inflamed. In addition, it usually hurts, itches and the area will be red and hard.
- Anaphylaxis. This type of generalized reaction occurs in people who are allergic to the venom of these insects. A single sting will be enough for hives or hives to appear, difficulty breathing, dizziness… And if we are faced with this type of reaction, time is vital. So you have to call the emergency services to treat the patient as soon as possible.
SEAIC specifies that “in individuals in good general health and not allergic to bee or wasp venom, it has been shown that 1 to 25 stings can be endured quite well.” The toxic effects could start after 50 bites. The lethal dose: 100 bites in children, 500 in adults.
How to act before a bite?
We all know home remedies to treat insect bites: ice, rubbing garlic, mud, vinegar and water…
And although it is true that they can calm the itching symptoms a bit, they do not serve to treat the bite and, what is worse, they can even infect it.
For this reason, the experts of the Spanish Society of Allergology give us a series of tips to take into account.
-
The first thing is wash the wound with soap and water to avoid “superinfections”.
-
Once the area is clean, we can apply cold. But beware! If we put on ice, we must always do it wrapped in a towel or some tissue to avoid direct contact with skinBecause we can burn.
-
If what has stung us is a bee, we will have to remove the sting that has left us inside. But without pressing, because it contains poison and if we press we could inoculate even more poison. It must be removed with the nail from the bottom up.
-
When the reaction is more extensive, allergists recommend “application in the cold area or ammonia in the first moments, to delay the absorption of venom”. An antihistamine can relieve swelling and pain.
-
If we are already talking about anaphylactic reactions, it is best to notify emergencies. In the event that the patient knows that he is allergic to this type of sting, he will probably take the treatment prescribed by his doctor (adrenaline) with him, so it will be necessary to administer it immediately.
How to avoid wasp or bee stings?
Apparently, it’s not easy at all. But from the SEIAC they remind us of some tricks to avoid it, especially if we already know that we have an allergy to this type of insect.
-
Do not go near beehives or wasp nests. If this accidentally happens, we must move away with slow movements.
-
If a bee or wasp lands on us, “we should not try to kill it or scare it away. Better to remain still or make only slow movements until it is gone.”
-
If we drink any sugary liquid, be careful. We must check that there are no bees or wasps on the edges of the container.
-
Do not handle fruits or food outdoors.
-
Do not go near the garbage cans in the street.
-
If you leave clothes on the floor, shake them before putting them on, as there may be a wasp in their folds.
-
Avoid walking barefoot, as well as walking through flowering orchards, clover fields, or any area with abundant flowers.
-
Wearing clothes in inconspicuous colors can help. And if we are going to go to the countryside, it may be a good idea not to apply cologne or hairspray.
-
Do not trim trees or mow lawns or hedges during the active season of these insects.
-
It is possible to bump into insects when we practice outdoor sports, so we must avoid areas where there are many flowers.