A 16-year-old girl in Quang Ninh was hospitalized after being stung by a scorpion on her right finger, experiencing pain, swelling, difficulty breathing, and severe anaphylactic shock. Doctor Vu Trong Tuan, Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine – Intensive Care and Poison Control at Quang Yen Town Medical Center, reported that the patient had severe pain, itching, and swelling in her right hand, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Doctors diagnosed her with severe anaphylactic shock, which is a rare occurrence as scorpions are typically shy and only sting when threatened or accidentally stepped on.
Most scorpions in Vietnam are not highly toxic and typically only cause symptoms such as swelling, heat, redness, and pain. In this case, the patient required anti-shock and respiratory support, with the medical team administering treatments to stabilize her condition. After 12 hours of treatment, the patient was stable, showing improvement in symptoms like pain and difficulty breathing.
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and occurs within minutes of exposure to an allergen, which can include scorpion venom, food, insect bites, or foreign substances. Doctors emphasize the importance of seeking medical treatment immediately after being bitten by a scorpion or venomous insect to avoid dangerous complications. It is crucial to provide first aid, disinfect the bite, and seek medical attention promptly to receive appropriate care.