Nghe An: 19-month-old boy suffers severe liver failure due to dozens of bee stings

On April 1, 2018, the Department of Resuscitation and Anti-Poisoning - Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital received treatment for a boy named Nguyen Van Thong Sang (19 months old), from Nam Dan district, who was hospitalized in critical condition, with edema all over his body, severe liver failure, blood disorders and dozens of bee stings from head to toe.

After 3 days of treatment, Sang's health gradually recovered. Photo: Tran Hien

Here, the hospital doctors had to spend more than 1 hour to remove the bee venom, and at the same time applied many active treatment measures such as mechanical ventilation, blood filtration... After 3 days of treatment, Sang's health has somewhat recovered.

However, this is a very serious case, the patient is still young, has been bitten by many bees, honeybee venom is very toxic so the patient needs to closely monitor the progression of the disease.

Sang's family said that they raised many beehives in their garden to collect honey. Because Sang was so active and disturbed the beehives, he was attacked and stung repeatedly by bees...

This incident has sounded the alarm bell for parents to pay more attention to their children, especially families that keep bees. Doctors at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital warn: Every year, in the summer, the number of children stung by bees increases significantly because this is the season when many types of fruits such as pineapple, longan, lychee, etc. attract bees. In addition, when summer comes, children are on vacation from school, and while playing at home, they often become hyperactive and disturb beehives and get stung by bees.

Normally, bee stings are not dangerous, but if there are many stings or if the sting is in areas such as the head, face, neck... it will lead to an allergy to bee venom, shock or poisoning... which can be life-threatening.

What to do immediately after being stung by a bee

- Need to quickly get the stung person out of the area with bees

- Remove the bee stinger by gently picking it or using tweezers.

- Wash the burned skin area with soap and warm water.

- Apply antiseptic solution such as 10% Povidine or 70-degree alcohol to the bite twice a day.

- Drink lots of water to eliminate toxins.

- Apply cold compresses to the sting to relieve pain and reduce swelling...