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How dangerous can a small fısh be? A greater weever attack

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2022

V Delibas*
Affiliation:
Otorhinolaryngology Department, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
G Ocar
Affiliation:
Otorhinolaryngology Department, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
G Ugurlugulbuken
Affiliation:
Otorhinolaryngology Department, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
Z Guney
Affiliation:
Otorhinolaryngology Department, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
S Alagoz
Affiliation:
Otorhinolaryngology Department, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
T Ozdas
Affiliation:
Otorhinolaryngology Department, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
G Kuran
Affiliation:
Otorhinolaryngology Department, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Vedat Delibas, Otorhinolaryngology Department, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Kısla Neighborhood, Dr. Mithat Ozsan Avenue, 4522 Street, No: 1, Yuregir, Adana 01000, Turkey E-mail: delibasvedat.vd@gmail.com

Abstract

Background

Thraconian fish (weever fish) are poisonous fish found mostly in the eastern Mediterranean region, but also in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and European coastal areas. Greater weever fish belong to the Trachinus draco family; these fish have spines on their dorsal fins and gill covers that secrete a high dose of dracotoxin venom.

Methods

This paper reports a 35-year-old female who presented with widespread body aches, respiratory distress and hoarseness following a greater weever attack. It discusses respiratory distress and other findings that occur after a greater weever attack in rare otolaryngological emergency cases.

Conclusion

While greater weever fish are more likely to attack limbs such as arms and legs, patients stung on the neck who develop respiratory distress are considered an ENT emergency.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Dr V Delibas takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

References

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