It may be logical to think that all the symptoms of a sting are a direct result of the scorpion’s venomosity, but this is not the case. A sting from a highly venomous scorpion does not always result in class 3 or 4 symptoms, and a sting from a moderately venomous scorpion does not always result in class 2 or 3 symptoms.
In order to understand how additional factors influence symptoms severity, consider the following:
Species of scorpion. Size of scorpion.
Amount of venom injected. Multiple stings. Location of sting.
Body mass of patient. Age related factors. Pre-existing medical conditions. Natural resistance. Psychological symptoms. Allergic reaction (if any).
Harmful and ineffective first aid. Delayed first response. Professional medical assistance.
Considering all of these factors, we can appreciate how the symptoms experienced by the patient are a result of many factors. Significant factors influencing symptom severity are more likely to push symptoms up a class. Some of these factors can increase while other can decrease symptom severity.
It is important to understand how each scorpion sting event offers a unique set of circumstances that result in a unique outcome. Interpreting and quantifying these factors is challenging because each factor does not exist in isolation, but they rather interact with each other. It is important to take note of combinations of these factors, especially significant factors.
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