The prevalence of reactions related to insect (hymenoptera) stings in children

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There has a few number of studies in children that looked for the prevalence of reactions caused by insect (hymenoptera) stings. This study was planned with the aim of investigating the prevalence of systemic, large local and local reactions due to hymenoptera stings in the general population in children.MATERIALS and METHODS: In this study, four different schools in Bursa city center and its villages were selected for research by random sampling method. A total of 3243 children in the 6-15 age group were evaluated using the questionnaire method in the study.RESULTS: Of the children, 1714 (52.9%) were boys and 1529 (47.1%) were girls. The mean age was 9.80.0,04 years. The number of children who were stung at least once in their lifetime was 1992 (61.4%), and the number of children who were stung in the last 12 months was 711 (21.9%). The frequency of reactions due to hymenoptera stings in the study population (lifetime prevalences), systemic reaction in 9 children (0.3%), large local reaction in 19 children (0.6%), local reaction in 1964 children (60.5%) were found. There were higher numbers of lifetime hymenoptera sting and rates of systemic or large local reactions in boys compared to girls (p<0,001, p<0,05, p<0,01 respectively).CONCLUSIONS: In our region, children between the ages of 6-15 frequently encounter hymenoptera stings. Since reactions due to hymenoptera stings occur at certain rates, it would be appropriate to consider these data in terms of defining possible reactions and approach.