A professional rower reportedly died earlier this month after swallowing a bee while biking in Brazil.
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Waldonilton de Andrade Reis,43, was cycling alongside Ponta Negra Beach, Manaus, Amazonas coast on March 2 when the bee flew into his throat. Reis went into anaphylactic shock and was forced to wait 20 minutes for help since there weren’t a lot of medical clinics in the area, as the New York Post reported. His sister said there was a fire department base, but they didn’t have a doctor.
A fireman arrived at the scene and attempted to resuscitate Reis before medics arrived to take him to a local hospital, where he was placed in an intensive care unit. His sister, Rosilene, said he died last Thursday, and she blames the medics’ slow response time since her brother lost oxygen in his brain within three minutes.
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“If there had been adequate care, a doctor, a fireman, or a health center, someone could have resuscitated my brother,” she explained. However, it is unclear if Reis was aware that he was allergic to bees.
Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur due to exposure to an allergen, such as a bee sting, certain foods, or medications. When someone goes into anaphylactic shock, their immune system releases a flood of chemicals, such as histamine, which can cause various symptoms throughout the body.
Some of the common symptoms of anaphylactic shock include:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin rash or hives
If left untreated, anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Treatment typically involves an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) to open up the airways, reduce swelling, and increase blood pressure. Other treatments may include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and medications to control symptoms such as hives or vomiting. After an episode of anaphylaxis, it is important to follow up with an allergist to identify the allergen and develop a plan to prevent future episodes.
Swallowing a bee is unlikely to cause any harm as the acids in the stomach will most likely destroy the bee. However, if the bee stings the inside of the mouth or throat on the way down, it can cause some discomfort or swelling. In rare cases, a person may have an allergic reaction to bee venom, which can be life-threatening. If you experience difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, or other severe symptoms after swallowing a bee, seek immediate medical attention.