A case of anaphylaxis by bee venom acupuncture.
- Author:
Tae Won LEE
1
;
Jeong A LEE
;
Mi Kyoung KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongjoo, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
bee venom acupuncture;
anaphylaxis
- MeSH:
Acupuncture*;
Adult;
Allergens;
Aminophylline;
Anaphylaxis*;
Ankle;
Bee Venoms*;
Bees*;
Bites and Stings;
Chungcheongbuk-do;
Dyspnea;
Emergency Service, Hospital;
Epinephrine;
Hand;
Honey;
Humans;
Maxillary Sinus;
Muscle Rigidity;
Respiratory Sounds;
Skin;
Skin Tests;
Sprains and Strains;
Tablets;
Thorax;
Urticaria;
Venoms
- From:Journal of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology
2000;20(3):551-552
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
We experienced a case of anaphylaxis by bee venom acupuncture in a 28-year old man. He had bee venom acupuncture on the right ankle due to sprain, experiencing nuchal rigidity, chest tightness and dyspnea 30 mins later. Two tablets of antihistamine prescribed by herb doctor did not improve his symptoms at all. He visited Chungbuk National University Hospital emergency room, where only wheezing was auscultated. He fully recovered after treatment with epinephrine, antihistamine and aminophylline intravenously. His sinus X-ray showed mucosal thickening at maxillary sinus and PC20-methacholine was 8.2 mg/ml. The only positive reaction to bee venom (0.1 microgram/ml) was found at skin prick test with 55 inhalant allergens and bee venom using the same agent at acupuncture. He had a history of generalized urticaria after a honey bee stung his hand 20 years earlier. This case states a very serious and important message that venom acupunctures without taking bee stinging history meticulously and without skin test for bee venom can be very dangerous.
