Two Cases of Oropharyngeal Edema Caused by a Bee Sting / 대한소화기내시경학회지

ABSTRACT

Hymenoptera stings can result in local and systematic symptoms due to their toxic and allergic contents. Although serious sequela are rare, the occurrence of an anaphylactic reaction is considered to be very dangerous and can potentially cause death. Oropharyngeal stings, though infrequent, can cause local edema and airway obstruction due to an anaphylactic reaction and requires immediate epinephrine, antihistamine, steroid treatment and close observation over several days. Careful observation of the oropharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal area using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is highly recommended, especially for detection of possible edematous swelling in the arytenoid cartilage area. Here we report two cases of patients complaining pain due to edematous swelling in the arytenoid cartilage area caused by hymenoptera stings after accidentally drinking water with a bee in it.