Many beekeepers know perfectly what to do if they suddenly bit a hornet. And just some people who are wise with life experience are always ready to give useful and sure advice for such a situation.
However, the overwhelming majority of people not only do not know what to do with a bite of a hornet, but they don’t even really know what this can be dangerous for. As a result, if a person is bitten, this does not attach much importance, sometimes “grandmothers” recipes are used, from which, in serious cases, no more than, for example, from meditation. Sometimes such unpreparedness and inactivity end very badly ...
So, suppose a man was bitten by a hornet. What to do? The first - of course, calm down. For making important decisions about early help, a “cold” head is needed.
Severe pain at the site of the bite - and it will definitely appear - does not at all mean the indispensable destructive consequences for the organism. The point here is that the hornet's poison itself contains components that have a very strong effect on the nerve endings and therefore lead to a very pronounced pain syndrome - even shock.
In an average statistical situation, it is difficult to predict in advance what will happen if the hornet bites: in some people everything is limited to pain and swelling, while in others it can lead to rapid suffocation and loss of consciousness (death is possible). Often, the severity of the reaction to the bite is aggravated if a person has ever been bitten by hornets, bees or wasps.
Therefore, as soon as hornet bitten, you must immediately give a person first aid (or give it to yourself, if this happened to you). Inaction in this situation is unacceptable.
How dangerous are hornet bites?
The hornet sting is both a tool for hunting and active protection. Unlike a bee, a hornet can sting a person many times. With each bite, this insect injects a certain amount of poison into the wound.
It is interesting
In the venomous gland of the hornet contains about 5-6 "portions" of poison. Often, the hornets during an attack sting repeatedly in one and the same place, which greatly aggravates the consequences of such a "meeting" for a person. However, a single hornet bite can be very dangerous.
What is so dangerous hornet bite? Here are a few reasons for this:
- Hornet poison causes a fairly strong pain syndrome;
- the components of the poison destroy the cell walls of the affected tissues, which leads to hemorrhages and inflammation at the site of the bite;
- in most cases, the bite causes an allergic reaction, the severity of which depends on the individual sensitivity of the person stung.
Pain and swelling at the site of the bite are observed to varying degrees in all victims. If the hornet has bitten a person who is sensitive to the venom of insects, then in addition to these symptoms headaches, rapid heartbeat and signs of general intoxication will appear.
The most dangerous hornet bite for allergies. A large amount of histamine in the venom of the hornet and its additional release from the disintegrating mast cells of the affected tissues can lead to the development of anaphylactic shock and death even after one bite.That is why in some tropical countries from the bites of hornets regularly die several dozen people a year.
On a note.
An important feature of the body's reaction to the hornet bite is a constant increase in sensitivity to components of the poison - from bite to bite. For example, if after a first bite a person can experience only swelling, then each subsequent attack of hornets (for example, in a month or a year) will lead to more severe consequences. It is this feature that underlies the fact that the people have a second name for the hornet - nine-man. It is believed that after the ninth bite of an insect, a person will certainly die. Of course, scientists in this matter are not so categorical, but there are still scientific prerequisites for such statements.
First aid for hornet bite
Now let's see what needs to be done first of all when a hornet bites. Before this, we note that one should not look for a sting in the wound and, especially, try to pick it out from under the skin with a needle: the hornet, unlike a bee, always carries its weapon with itself, leaving only poison in the body of the victim.
The first steps to bite a hornet:
- If possible, try to suck part of the poison from the wound.However, it is not worthwhile to be zealous in this matter for more than 1 minute after the bite, as further attempts will be ineffective;
- Then it is necessary to treat the affected area with citric or 9% acetic acid - the hornet's poison is partially neutralized (by the way, some of the components of the poison are neutralized with alkaline solutions, for example, soda or soap);
- Then it is necessary to disinfect the wound with alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide solution;
- At the next stage, it is useful to apply a cold (preferably ice-cold) compress, under which wet sugar is placed - the cold does not allow the poison to quickly spread through the tissues, reduces the severity of the edema, and sugar contributes to pulling an additional part of the toxin from the wound.
But what should not be done after the bite of a hornet is taking alcohol inside. In this case, alcohol in the human body will only contribute to an increase in edema and exacerbate the toxic effect of the poison on the body as a whole. This is especially dangerous if the hornet bites in the head or neck.
If there are no signs of an increasing allergic reaction, and the ice compress has already done its job, then the next step is to reduce the pain at the bite site.For this, the wound is smeared, for example, with Fenistil gel or Soventol. You can also use the ointment Insectline, Gardex Family or Picnic Family.
For folk remedies for hornet bites include: soda solution, dandelion juice or plantain juice, a slice of onion, garlic or apple. It is assumed that, when applied to the wound, these remedies will reduce pain and swelling. Although in practice the effect is in most cases poorly pronounced.
On a note
The above folk recipes are also relevant for the treatment of domestic animals - for example, if a hornet has bitten a cat or a dog. One has only to consider that it is necessary to process the skin directly under the coat. However, if the animal gets worse - you need to immediately show it to the vet.
If the swelling and pain after the hornet bite does not increase and no additional alarming symptoms have appeared, then no further special treatment is required. Within a few days the swelling of the tissues will decrease and the pain will disappear.
If signs of a generalized allergic reaction are attached to a local reaction, additional actions will be required.
Eliminate intoxication and generalized symptoms
Signs of a generalized allergic reaction that may occur after a hornet bite are:
- fever;
- headache;
- heart palpitations;
- dyspnea;
- abdominal pain.
At the slightest hint of these symptoms, you need to take diphenhydramine or fenistil tablets as soon as possible in order to weaken the effect of histamine. In addition, the more fluid the person will drink to the victim during this period, the better, since drinking plenty of food will significantly reduce the symptoms of intoxication.
In case of an increase in body temperature, it is necessary to take antipyretic drugs only after 38 ° C.
If the victim has severe dizziness, confusion, or breathing is difficult, it is necessary to urgently call the “First Aid”, asking for additional advice by phone about the necessary actions. If for some reason it is not possible to call an ambulance, you can give Suptrastin to the injured (at the rate of 1-2 tablets 4 times a day), Prednisolone (4 tablets per day) or one tablet of Loratadine (these drugs can lead to side effects , therefore consultation of the doctor is very necessary, at least by phone).
Important!
It is not possible to drink Diprazin when developing an allergic reaction to a hornet bite. This drug in itself can cause allergies and only aggravate the symptoms that already exist.
Particularly difficult cases
It is important to understand the following: if new symptoms appear after the hornet bite and the state of health deteriorates quickly, the further development of an allergic reaction can be unpredictable and very rapid. For any such signs, you should immediately call an ambulance or, if possible, ask relatives or friends to take you to the hospital. Self-driving in this case is impossible.
In severe cases, doctors immediately inject adrenaline - this substance is an acetylcholine antagonist, which causes the transmission of nerve impulses, and stimulates the heart. In critical situations, such an injection may well save a person’s life.
Usually, particularly serious consequences are observed if the hornet bites in the neck or throat. In this case, upper respiratory tract edema is not such a rarity. Because of him, the victim may simply suffocate.
Artificial respiration will not help here, because due to swelling of the larynx, the air simply will not pass through the respiratory tract to the lungs. In the most extreme case, the so-called conicotomy is necessary - a cut between the cricoid and thyroid cartilage. A hollow tube is inserted into this incision, which will ensure the possibility of inhalation and exhalation even with severe edema of the larynx.
Different Hornets - Different Bites
In general, it can be said that the hornet bite is undoubtedly dangerous. However, the degree of risk to human health after stinging various types of these insects is still not the same.
For example, the bites of ordinary European hornets rarely lead to serious consequences, and therefore can be dangerous mainly for people who are sensitive to insect poisons.
At the same time, the huge Asian hornets living in Southeast Asia, Primorye and Japan are considered to be among the most dangerous insects in the world. For example, in Japan every year about 40 people die from the bites of these hornets.
One giant Asian hornet injects into the wound a portion of the poison, which corresponds to a dose of 5-6 of its European relatives.In this case, the Asian Hornet Toxin contains additional specific components that have a more powerful poisoning effect on the human body.
That is why when traveling in South-East Asia you should always have at least Suporstin and painkillers in your first-aid kit. If you have an increased sensitivity to the poisons of insects, you must take with you the appropriate certificate from an allergist, which will help the local doctor in an emergency case to prescribe the right drugs.
However, the most reliable way to protect against the attack of hornets in nature or the dacha will be just due care and diligence. Hornets - insects are quite peaceful, they attack humans only when they accidentally touch them, actively swing their arms or intentionally try to destroy their nest.
So, if you see a hornet, just bypass it and do not make any sudden movements. In this case, the bite will not happen, and no emergency measures will be taken.
Useful video: the dangerous bites of wasps and hornets and what to do if you are still bitten
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I lie under the drip.
He kindled the stove in the country, thrust his hand inside and felt a strong bite, took out his hand and threw away a large insect like a giant bee. Immediately I treated the bite site with vodka and took an anti-allergic drug. After an hour and a half, the pain is still holding up, but I think everything will be fine.
He sat in the car and ofigel from back pain - the hornet stung, reptile. I lay with lemon and sugar on my back ... 🙁
Tin ... I would not like to be bitten (((A boy of 15 years old is almost crying in pain, although there is no allergy.
I woke up from a terrible pain, bit in the foot. At first he tried to squeeze out the poison, but nothing happened. Then it came that pressure is undesirable. Sore jerks somehow. I put an acetic compress, I hope, it will help ... Thanks for the advice!
Bite as a child, I do not understand why they are so afraid of them? The pain finally passed, an hour later, I do not remember the swelling, if there was, it was small.
The hornet bitten on the river, there are no hellish pains and there is no temperature, no edema - nothing. Only reddened and swollen bite.
He bit the hornet when he lay down on the sofa at home.
Bitten hornet on the river, and never guess where. TO THE HEAD! But, it seems, there is nothing terrible. Only sore and swollen slightly.
He lay under a drip, there was a temperature, cramps ...
We bit six hornets, one bite above the eyebrow.All the consequences of bites are - pain, swelling, further itching. But the worst thing is the loss of memory for about an hour. Is this possible with a hornet bite?
Yes, you are still very lucky. In this scenario, which you described, it was possible to lose a life, so a memory loss of 1 hour is completely nothing.
I went to the pond, there I was stung by a hornet. I have no allergies, but the pain was severe, kept for 4 hours. The blow was in the crown of the head. Maybe that's why even lucky.
Are they directly attacking for no reason?
Freak for ass bit, I hope nothing bad will happen. It hurts, the infection ...
They do not bite just like that - it means that you prevented him from doing something.
Bitten over the big toe. It hurt badly, four or five hours passed.
A friend was bitten in the woods, did not have time to drive, died.
Husband bitten today on the river. He attacked himself, bit straight into the neck. The first 20 seconds everything was fine, then all turned pale, sweat began to act and after 3 minutes vomiting began. He drank a tavegil, now asleep at home.We went to the kebabs ...
I was already 65 years old. At the cottage on the window there was a nest. A very big nest! With a 10-liter bucket. As the inhabitants got into the house (and the nest was in the house), I still do not understand. The wasps were peaceful, we were not disturbed. But I did not like waste. The window is expensive, the entire wall. I decided to remove the nest. He put on a knitted hat, glasses welder, canvas jacket. Armed with a stick and went to war. It was on the second floor veranda. I also provided such an option - I opened the door to the room in order to escape. Well, in general, a stick knocked down half of the nest and saw eggs in comb. That killed me! I hesitated and got. It was as if they were shooting me with a slingshot. The blows were not just sensitive, but very. I used the door to the room, but hornets also flew in there - it was them. Half the size of the index finger! I was bitten by about 20 hornets. Part in the head, part in the arm, part climbed under the jacket. There was a dark closet in the room, I darted into it. Hornets too. But in the dark they calmed down. After a while I went out, opened the window and released insects. He lay down on the bed and began to feel how I was inflated. Eyes swollen, throat, something else.I lay down a bit, began to think, and then what? I went downstairs, got into the car - and to Moscow. On the way, I called the number 112. He explained the problem, offered to stay in place and wait for the ambulance. What about the car? I reached Moscow, called my wife on the way, asked to call an ambulance home, arrived together. In the hospital, everyone made fun. But the consequences - my left shoulder hurt. Has passed.
The second part of the operation went like this. After the hospital I arrived at the dacha, waited for the evening, took the vacuum cleaner and finished the job. One copy lies in a vial of alcohol. Here is a meeting! Now I am 76 years old.
It was the case, bit into the finger. I immediately cut off a finger, now everything is fine)
I went for a swim and am not happy now, I sit, I suffer from vinegar. A little sore, I suffer. It was like this: when I wanted to swim, the hornet sat on my head and got tangled in my hair, then he stung me.