Stings(scorpion Bite)

This is an acute, life-threatening medical emergency, which is most common in the villages and crowded urban areas. The true incidence is not available but the case fatality rate is around 3-22%. Warm and arid areas abound in scorpions. They live in the crevices and underground burrows. Banana and sugarcane fields have scorpions in them. The stings are usually accidental.

There is severe and excruciating local pain. Irritability occurs. There may be vomiting, ill feel, sweating, salivation. The heart rate may be increased or low. Blood pressure is usually high. Shock is also reported. Death is usually due to pulmonary edema. In children, erection of the penis (priapism) may be noticed. Rarely convulsions may be seen. Stroke, central type of respiratory failure and altered sensorium has been rarely reported.

The victim needs reassurance. The clothing should be loosened. It is preferable to keep the patient nil by mouth and a simple pain relief like paracetamol may be given but its utility is limited. Local lignocaine may be given. The patient should be shifted to the hospital immediately in order to prevent complications and also the outcome is improved with early therapy with Prazosin.