Schnakenstich: Why it can even be fatal
A snake stitch is uncomfortable. As a rule, the area swells and itches strongly. In some cases, an actually harmless mosquito bite can also pose a great danger to your health. In this article, we explain what you need to know.
Snake bite - just an uncomfortable itch or health hazard
If you get stung by a schnake, your body reacts to it.
- If a mosquito bites, it releases a little saliva first. The proteins contained in the saliva on the one hand expand the vessels, on the other hand they locally inhibit blood clotting a little. This makes it easier for the mosquito to do what it actually wants, namely to suck blood.
- However, the proteins in the saliva also activate certain immune cells. This triggers a defense reaction in the body - the body releases histamine.
- Histamine is responsible for itching and swelling of mosquito bites. Bacteria can also get into the wound with the sting or scratching. In this case the prick ignites.
- Scratching can also cause bacteria to get into the lymphatic system. The result is lymphedema. If the bacteria get into the bloodstream, there is a risk of blood poisoning, known as sepsis.
- Such blood poisoning must be treated in good time. Otherwise, serious complications can occur. In some cases, sepsis is even fatal.
- A mosquito bite in the mouth and throat area is very dangerous. The swelling can cause severe shortness of breath. This is also a case for the emergency doctor.
A severe allergy to mosquito bites is rare
With bee and wasp stings, allergies to the poison of the insects are possible.
- However, mosquitoes do not inject poison when they bite, but - as already mentioned - only proteins. A real allergy to these proteins is possible, but very rare.
- If such an allergy is present, the person affected can experience life-threatening allergic shock, also known as anaphylactic shock, even after a mosquito bite.
- Such an anaphylactic reaction is manifested by nausea, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat and can extend to cardiac arrest.
- If there are signs of an anaphylactic reaction, be sure to call the emergency doctor immediately. It is then a life-threatening emergency situation.
Even if an insect bite does not necessarily have to be dangerous, it is still unpleasant. For this reason, in our next post we will show you the best tips and tricks on how to prevent a mosquito bite.