Boy goes into anaphylactic shock after being stung by a scorpion

Scorpion bite on the boy's lower leg - Photo: THAI LUY

Doctors at the emergency department of Can Tho City Children's Hospital immediately examined the child and found scattered red rashes on the chest area, and suspected scorpion bite marks on the lower leg.

The bite site was swollen and bleeding. The child was diagnosed with anaphylactic shock due to a scorpion bite and received urgent emergency treatment for the shock.

According to the family, while walking along the riverbank near their home to catch snails, little D. accidentally stepped on a scorpion without realizing it.

Shortly afterward, the child was bitten by a scorpion on the lower left leg. The child received first aid at a nearby medical facility and was then transferred to Can Tho Children's Hospital. At the emergency department, doctors immediately provided emergency care, including shock treatment and respiratory support.

After 30 minutes of intensive resuscitation, the child began to regain consciousness, blood pressure stabilized, and breathing difficulties decreased. Doctors continued to treat anaphylactic shock while simultaneously administering antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, antihistamines, and tetanus antitoxin injections.

Now that vital signs are stable, the child has been transferred to the cardiology department for further monitoring and treatment of the infection and swelling caused by the scorpion bite.

According to Dr. Duong Thi Huyen Trang, from the emergency department of Can Tho City Children's Hospital, this is a rare case of anaphylactic shock caused by a scorpion bite in the Mekong Delta region.

According to medical literature, scorpions are generally quite shy and tend to avoid humans. Therefore, cases of scorpion stings are usually due to threats or accidental stepping on them.

Most scorpions in Vietnam are not highly venomous, so their stings usually only cause swelling, heat, redness, and pain; severe shock like the one described is rare.

This case serves as a warning from doctors that when children are bitten by scorpions or other venomous insects, after first aid and disinfecting the bite, the patient should be taken to the hospital for examination and timely emergency treatment to avoid dangerous complications.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/be-trai-bi-soc-phan-ve-sau-khi-bi-bo-cap-can-20240529224552919.htm