The doctor explained what will happen if you swallow a wasp
Marina Berezhnaya June 17, 2024, 19:15 Moscow time
And named the symptoms that require emergency assistance.
Candidate of Medical Sciences, Physician, Head of the Emergency Department, EMC
“Many people know that a wasp sting is especially dangerous for allergic people who react specifically to the venom of this insect. However, a person may not be aware of the presence of such a reaction until the first incident.”
Why is a wasp sting dangerous?
A wasp sting is dangerous in terms of the development of allergic reactions. Therefore, if redness and swelling appear at the site of the bite, it is important to immediately consult a doctor.
In case of cough, difficulty breathing or even loss of consciousness, it is also necessary to call an ambulance.
When bitten, it is important to remove the stinger. However, you don’t need to worry if he couldn’t do it completely: the doctor will remove it completely during your appointment.
Photo: nedomacki/istockphoto.com
For humans, a wasp can be dangerous in other situations.
What happens if you swallow a wasp?
Almost 90% of foreign bodies that enter the stomach exit freely through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). There are also cases where non-surgical intervention is required. Surgical treatment in this situation occurs in exceptional cases. This applies to objects at least 6 cm long or 2.5 cm in diameter, as they will not be able to pass through the stomach.
Foreign bodies are divided into different groups:
ingested foreign bodies; introduced into the body ascending (through the rectum); those that enter the gastrointestinal tract through trauma; live foreign bodies from the gastrointestinal tract;
The swallowed wasp belongs to the first group.
Also read:
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Three forms of manifestations are important in the clinical picture:
latent form – a single foreign body of small size (from 2 to 5 cm) without any symptoms, which has pronounced clinical manifestations: abdominal pain, heaviness in the epigastric region, nausea, vomiting, flatulence – the presence; of the symptoms perforation of a hollow organ of the gastrointestinal tract or strangulation of a foreign body. Accompanied by unbearable pain in the epigastric region or right hypochondrium, repeated vomiting and bloating.
It follows that if a wasp is accidentally ingested, no trauma to the digestive tract will occur. The insect easily passes through our digestive system and requires no additional intervention.
However, there is a danger here: the risk of itching of the mucous membranes persists after swallowing the wasp. This can cause an allergic reaction, including anaphylactic shock (a severe immediate systemic allergic reaction), such as from a sting on an exposed area of the body.
Photo: istockphoto.com/kirisa99
What to do if you swallow a wasp?
If a wasp or bee somehow gets into your mouth, you should be as careful as possible and try to avoid swallowing the insect.
But if suddenly this happens, then it is worth monitoring your condition. If you feel unwell or have allergic reactions, you should immediately call an ambulance. Because there are no recommendations for providing independent medical care in this case.
When should you see a doctor?
First of all, it is necessary to consult a doctor if a severe local reaction occurs after a wasp sting. Secondly, if general signs of the development of a generalized allergic reaction appear. These include cough, difficulty breathing, choking, depression of consciousness, tachycardia, and decreased blood pressure.
Also read:
What to do if your throat hurts on the eve of a competition? The doctor gave recommendations.
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