Oropharyngeal Bee, Hornet, Yellow Jacket, and Wasp Stings: A National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Analysis and Scoping Review

IntroductionIt is estimated that up to 94.5% of the adult population has received at least 1 Hymenoptera sting in their lifetime, which includes stings from bees, hornets, yellow jackets, or wasps. This study describes the epidemiology of oropharyngeal stings due to bees, hornets, yellow jackets, and wasps in the United States between 2004 and 2023.MethodsThis study used data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System to describe patients with stings who presented to US hospitals for treatment. It then contextualized these findings through a scoping review of case reports of oropharyngeal stings published on Scopus and PubMed, with particular attention to the hospital disposition of cases.ResultsThe National Electronic Injury Surveillance System analysis found that an estimated 5% of all stings involved the oropharyngeal region. The rate of oropharyngeal stings has varied over time, and an estimated 2% of victims were admitted to the hospital for any reason. This finding stands in contrast to the review of case reports, in which 64% of victims were hospitalized.ConclusionsOropharyngeal stings present a unique risk of airway compromise and merit conservative treatment, which may include hospitalization.