Causes and risk factors
As the name suggests the complaints are caused due bite of a scorpion. The scorpion is a 3inch long insect with 8legs and a pair of claws. It possesses a sting at the end of the tail. Through this sting the venom is injected into the skin. This venom causes development of symptoms.
Clinical presentation:
The symptoms can range from mild to severe form. The symptoms can be localized or involved various systems of the body like central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and kidney. Most of the scorpion bite are harmless however the scorpion sting can be life threatening. Immediately after a scorpion sting the patient experiences a severe pain at the site of affection. Pricking type of pain is felt. The affected site becomes red and is swollen along with it a marked burning sensation is felt. It is warm to touch. Sweating, vomiting, twitching of muscles, numbness of the body, difficulty in swallowing, disturb vision, increase salivation along with difficulty in breathing are the symptoms seen in severe cases. It can also cause some serious complications like anaphylactic shock characterized by difficulty in breathing, choking, and accumulation of fluids in lungs (Pulmonary edema) and although rare in much severe cases anaphylaxis can lead to death.
Investigations:
Diagnosis can be done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patients (i.e bite by a scorpion) and the physical examination carried out by the doctor. The detail history taken from the patient will help the doctor to evaluate the cause. However there is no exact diagnostic test for confirming the scorpion sting. Routine blood test and other investigations can be recommended by the consultant.
Treatment:
Treatment consists of washing the affected area with water and soap. A soothing ointment, local anesthetics can be applied. Ice pack application can help to reduce the swelling. Pain relieving medications and antibiotic medications are advised.Anti histamines and steroid medicines are given. In severe cases the patient is hospitalized and is kept under medical observation. Anti scorpion venoms are used in severe cases.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
