Anaphylactic shock after 5 minutes of ant bite

On November 8, Dr. Chau Thi Nguyet, Department of Intensive Care - Anti-Poison, Tuyen Quang General Hospital said that she had just received patient TTT (46 years old, residing in Minh Xuan ward, Tuyen Quang city) who suffered anaphylactic shock after being bitten by ants.

Ms. T. was admitted to the hospital in a coma, cyanosis, foaming at the mouth, lots of phlegm, no pulse, unmeasurable blood pressure, sweating, cold limbs, and gasping for breath.

About 10 minutes before being admitted to the hospital, Ms. T. was at work when she was stung by a white ant on her right side. Five minutes later, she was sweating, pale, and fainted, so people around her took her straight to the provincial hospital for emergency treatment.

Upon admission, Ms. T. was diagnosed with a critical level of anaphylaxis and was given emergency care quickly, treated with many measures such as intensive resuscitation, detoxification and special care. After 10 minutes of trying to race against death, the patient's blood pressure gradually stabilized, the patient gradually regained consciousness and was put on a ventilator.

After 4 days of treatment, Ms. T's health was stable, she could breathe on her own, was fully alert and was discharged from the hospital.

Doctor Chau Thi Nguyet said that after people come into contact with allergens that can cause allergic reactions to the body, including drugs, insects, food and other cosmetics, anaphylaxis can appear immediately from a few seconds, a few minutes to a few hours after exposure.

In cases of anaphylaxis, if not treated promptly, the patient is at risk of bronchospasm causing respiratory failure, acute pulmonary edema, dilation of the entire capillary system causing circulatory collapse leading to death.

Therefore, when the body shows abnormal signs after exposure to allergens such as ant stings, bee stings, or after eating foods, medicines... you need to go to the nearest medical facility immediately for emergency care and treatment.