&w=3840&q=100)
How bee stings can trigger heart attacks: Lessons from Sunjay Kapur's death
What happens when a bee sting causes anaphylaxis
Dr Tariq Rashid, Director and Head of Department of Cardiology, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, told Business Standard:
'Bee stings are typically harmless to many people, but they can have serious risks for those who are allergic. In rare but serious situations, bee stings can cause a reaction called anaphylaxis that can be deadly. This reaction occurs when chemicals, including histamine, are released rapidly into the body, resulting in widespread dilation of blood vessels, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and swelling, especially in the area around the airways.
If the sting occurs in the mouth or throat—such as by swallowing a bee accidentally—the risk of airway obstruction and difficulty breathing significantly increases. This combination of lack of oxygen and increased strain on the cardiovascular system can lead to a heart attack or even cardiac arrest in extreme situations.'
The science behind anaphylaxis and allergic collapse
When a bee stings, it can cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening immune response that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen, such as peanuts or bee venom.
For some individuals, this may result in:
Swelling of the throat or tongue
Difficulty breathing
A sudden drop in blood pressure
Shock or cardiac arrest
In some cases, especially when the sting affects the airway or windpipe, even non-allergic individuals can experience life-threatening swelling or spasms.
Can a bee sting really cause a heart attack?
Yes. Anaphylaxis can trigger Kounis Syndrome—a rare condition in which a severe allergic reaction causes spasms in the coronary arteries, leading to a heart attack. According to experts, this may explain the unfortunate chain of events in Sunjay Kapur's case.
Triggers reported in medical literature include stings from ants, bees, wasps, and jellyfish, as well as exposures such as grass cutting, poison ivy, latex contact, limpet ingestion, millet allergy, shellfish consumption, and viper venom poisoning.
What to do in a bee sting emergency
'Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases. Administering epinephrine (adrenaline) through an auto-injector like an EpiPen is the first line of treatment for anaphylaxis, followed by emergency medical care. Quick action—recognising the signs, calling emergency services, and providing oxygen and CPR if needed—can make the difference between life and death.
For individuals with known severe allergies, it's essential to carry emergency medication and inform those around them about how to use it,' said Dr Rashid.
Steps to take during a severe allergic reaction
If someone shows signs of a severe allergic reaction or collapses suddenly, every second counts.
Here's what you should do:
Call emergency services immediately
Check for a pulse and breathing
If unresponsive, begin CPR
Use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if available
Do not try to make the person vomit, even if they've ingested a bee or insect
If the person is conscious and showing mild symptoms (such as swelling or difficulty breathing), try to keep them calm and seated upright while waiting for help.
Can incidents like this be prevented?
While this was an extremely rare and tragic event, certain precautions may help reduce risk:
Wear a mouthguard or face covering during outdoor sports, especially in insect-prone areas
Avoid drinking sweet beverages uncovered outdoors, as bees are attracted to sugary scents
If you have a known allergy, always carry an EpiPen and ensure people around you know how to use it
Sunjay Kapur's death is a heartbreaking reminder that medical emergencies can strike without warning. Recognising the signs of anaphylaxis and knowing how to respond quickly could save a life—even in the most unexpected circumstances.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Tracing the truth in the pink salt craze: Healthy alternative or just hype?
Pink salt is pretty, and it has now reached our gourmet kitchens and wellness aisles. But behind the growing trend of Himalayan pink salt lies a question that health-conscious consumers are increasingly asking: Is it actually a healthier choice than regular table salt? What is regular salt? Salt is a mineral largely consisting of sodium chloride. It can be produced by evaporating salt water or extracting solid salt from underground salt mines. Before it reaches you, table salt goes through a refining process to remove impurities. Anticaking agents are sometimes added to help absorb moisture, and iodine is often included to help prevent iodine deficiency. What is pink Himalayan salt? Mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, pink Himalayan salt is a type of rock salt that gets its blush colour from trace minerals like iron oxide (rust). Unlike heavily processed table salt, pink salt is often left unrefined, which preserves its natural mineral content. Key differences between pink and white salt Here's how the two types of salt differ: Origin: Pink salt is mined from salt deposits in the Himalayas. White salt (or table salt) is often derived from evaporated seawater or underground salt mines. Processing: Pink salt is minimally processed and usually sold in coarse crystals. White salt is highly refined and often contains anti-caking agents. Pink salt is mostly free of additives but does not contain added iodine. White salt is usually fortified with iodine, which is essential for thyroid health. Mineral content: Pink salt contains trace amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. White salt is almost purely sodium chloride. Texture and taste: Pink salt has a coarser texture and a milder taste. White salt is finer and has a sharper, saltier flavour. Claimed health benefits of pink salt Some of the popularly believed advantages of pink salt are: Rich in minerals: It contains small amounts of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Supports hydration: A pinch of pink salt in water is said to help with electrolyte balance. Lower sodium intake: Coarser crystals may mean you use slightly less by volume. Less processed: It's free from additives and often considered more 'natural'. Some healthcare professionals credit pink salt with improving sleep quality, detoxifying the body, and aiding weight loss. However, there is no clinical evidence or research to support these claims. These effects are more likely to come from an overall balanced diet and lifestyle rather than salt alone. What about the absence of iodine? One key downside of switching to pink salt is that it does not contain added iodine, an essential nutrient that supports thyroid health. Iodised salt was introduced to combat widespread iodine deficiency, especially in countries like India. 'If you rely solely on pink salt, make sure to get iodine from other sources like dairy, seafood or supplements,' said Dr Srishti Goyal, dietician with Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals. So, is pink salt actually healthier? While pink Himalayan salt may offer a natural, unprocessed alternative to table, the health differences are minimal. Experts say it's certainly not a magical upgrade. The best approach is to limit your overall salt intake to support heart health and blood pressure control.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
a day ago
- Business Standard
Japan's 91-yr-old former Emperor Akihito hospitalised for heart treatment
Japan's 91-year-old former Emperor Akihito was hospitalised Monday to adjust his heart medication, palace officials said. Akihito was diagnosed in May with myocardial ischemia, an asymptomatic heart condition of reduced blood flow from the coronary arteries to the heart muscle. He has since been on medication to improve blood flow to his heart while avoiding excessive exercise and reducing liquid intake. Akihito abdicated in 2019, handing over the Chrysanthemum Throne to his son, current Emperor Naruhito and now holds the title of Emperor Emeritus. After two months on the medication, doctors found little improvement in Akinito's condition and decided to give him an additional treatment to alleviate the burden on his heart, the Imperial Household Agency said. Monday's hospitalisation was to carefully determine the right dose of the new medication to avoid side effects, while monitoring his heart by electrocardiogram and other examination, the IHA said. In 2012, Akihito underwent a coronary artery bypass surgery. Three years ago, he was diagnosed with right heart failure caused by tricuspid valve insufficiency. Akihito was seen in the back seat of a palace car, wearing a white surgical mask and accompanied by his wife, Empress Emerita Michiko, as he was taken to the hospital. Palace officials said they couldn't say how long Akihito would have to be hospitalised. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
‘A cascade of failures': How a five-year-old UK boy's fatal milk allergy reaction exposed alarming lapses in school's safety protocols; symptoms to watch out for
A tragic case from the UK has reignited conversations around food allergy protocols in schools across the world. Five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who had known allergies to milk, eggs, kiwi and nuts, died on December 21, 2021 after what his mother called 'a cascade of failures,' including exposure to cow's milk and a delay in receiving emergency treatment. After a thorough investigation, a UK inquest determined the probable cause of death was 'the ingestion of cow's milk protein, most probably from his own receptacle during break time,' suggesting that Benedict may have been mistakenly served another child's milk, according to the BBC. Despite established protocols between the family and Benedict's school to store his oat milk separately in the staff fridge, the school also stored another student's lactose-free milk in the same fridge. On the day of the incident, the milk was poured in the staff room instead of the classroom. Benedict became ill and vomited, 'the first sign' of his allergic reaction, according to his mother, but his EpiPen was administered too late. Dr Shuaib Nasser, an allergy specialist who had treated him, said, 'In hindsight, yes, it was administered too late,' per the BBC. Benedict collapsed shortly after, and though CPR was attempted, he died less than two hours later at a nearby hospital due to food-induced anaphylaxis. Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, tells 'Managing children with severe food allergies requires a well-coordinated and proactive approach. The first step is early diagnosis and clear communication. Once a child is diagnosed with a serious allergy, parents must provide schools with a comprehensive medical action plan that outlines the allergen, symptoms of a reaction, emergency contacts, and treatment steps.' A post shared by Benedict Blythe Foundation (@benedictblythefoundation) Schools must maintain up-to-date health records and ensure this information is accessible to all relevant staff, especially teachers, cafeteria personnel, and transport staff. There should be strict policies in place to avoid accidental exposure. Dr Hiremath adds that education is equally vital. 'Teachers and caregivers should be trained to recognise early signs of an allergic reaction and know exactly what steps to take. Simple protocols like handwashing before and after meals, not sharing food, and reading ingredient labels can significantly reduce risk.' Dr Hiremath informs, 'Epinephrine must be administered immediately at the first signs of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction that can occur immediately after getting exposed to an allergen. Delayed use of an epinephrine auto-injector is one of the most common reasons for fatal outcomes. It is most effective when given within minutes of symptom onset. Every minute counts.' Symptoms that should never be ignored include difficulty breathing, wheezing, sudden drop in blood pressure, swelling of the lips or face, hives, and persistent vomiting. In children, even sudden behavioral changes like confusion, lethargy, or complaints of a 'funny feeling' in the mouth or throat can be early warning signs. 'Importantly, once epinephrine is administered, emergency services must be contacted immediately,' he stresses. 'Yes, schools in India should absolutely be required to stock spare epinephrine auto-injectors and train their staff in allergy response,' stresses Dr Hiremath. 'This should be seen as an essential part of a school's health and safety preparedness, just like fire drills or first aid.' Implementation can begin with clear national or state-level policy guidelines on allergy management in educational institutions. Schools should designate trained staff members responsible for maintaining emergency allergy kits and conducting refresher training. Basic training on allergy symptoms, use of EpiPens, and emergency protocols can be included in teacher orientation and annual safety reviews. Collaboration with pediatricians, allergists, and public health bodies can help schools develop practical and medically accurate response plans. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
