Presentation
Clinical manifestations Patients stung by jellyfish present in one of two ways: the majority present with an immediately painful, linear/tentacle-like sting a minority present with delayed pain – Irukandji-like sting (Table 1). [racgp.org.au]
Presentation on theme: "Animal Scavenger Hunt. Sponges and Cnidarians Invertebrates Sponge is covered with pores Cnidarians have stinging cells. [slideplayer.com]
Anthozoa Sea Anemones: a brief note: by Andy Horton SEA ANEMONES Sea Anemones belong to the phylum of animals known as the Cnidaria, from the cnida or sting capsule that are present in this major group of animals that also include the corals, jellyfish [glaucus.org.uk]
Before you go in the water, find out if box jellyfish are present in the area and if antivenom is available. Note that stings from the jellyfish in the Pacific are serious and can be fatal. [iamat.org]
Entire Body System
- Fishing
The same is true with fish. [marinet.org.uk]
Since the tentacles can hang so far down, the jelly can use these tentacles to kill fish which swim through them without ever seeing the jelly itself way up above! This is an example of a cnidarian with a medusoid shape. [oceanicresearch.org]
Venomous fish are not known to be aggressive and stings may occur by accidentally stepping on one or encountering a dead fish on the beach. Spines remain venomous even after the fish is dead. [snorkelstj.com]
As a member of the Angler Fish family, the Frogfish, has a sponge-like appearance. [coralworld.co.il]
Traditionally, Greek fishermen from the island of Kalymnos were intrinsically linked with fishing for sponges. [timesofmalta.com]
- Pain
A hot soak can dramatically reduce the pain, and amount of damage, caused by a sting. Control the pain. The pain from marine stings can be excruciating and lead to shock, making pain control an important early step in wound care. [scuba-doc.com]
Painful stinging cells, called nematocysts, make the phylum Cnidaria especially notable. Jellyfish and sea anemones are just two examples of these painful creatures. The nematocysts are, in fact, long hollow threads that are used to trap prey. [sciencelearningspace.com]
For example, if left embedded in the skin, coral can cause pain and irritation for weeks afterward. Note that anemones, fire coral, and jellyfish release nematocysts (barbed and coiled threads) into the skin, making the injury very painful. [iamat.org]
If further symptoms develop, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or when pain, itchiness or blistering continues at the site, seek medical attention. [australiawidefirstaid.com.au]
- Fever
In cases with large body exposure to certain sponges, patients may develop, fever, chills, dizziness, muscle cramps and nausea. Severe cases can also develop erythema multiforme, a type of skin condition requiring medical care. [emedicinehealth.com]
Humperdink fell ill with a terrible fever. The police refuse to release information about the incident, though she told a reporter that the man is responsible for her fever, and he just wanted to talk. [theonyxpath.com]
Children with sore throats usually have a fever, runny nose, and sore ears. They may also feel exhausted and be off food. In more serious cases, the sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat. [arasub.com]
Venom from their fin rays can cause vomiting, fever and sweating ,and has been lethal in a few cases. We ask that whenever you are in the water, take a lionfish marker with you. If you see a Lionfish, drop the marker at location. [snorkelstj.com]
- Severe Pain
Box jellyfish stings cause severe pain. Other symptoms can include red or purplish whip-like lesions on the skin, increased heart rate, severe pain elsewhere in the body, sweating, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrest. [australiawidefirstaid.com.au]
They cause immediate severe pain that lasts for up to an hour with minimal other effects. [healthdirect.gov.au]
Irukandji envenomation is initially mild, followed by a rash, headache, and severe muscle pain throughout the body; death rarely occurs. [tripprep.com]
- Localized Pain
Within 20–30 minutes they develop severe, excruciating generalised pain (abdominal, back and chest pain). There is rarely local pain and often there is only a minimal skin reaction. [racgp.org.au]
One large box jellyfish, Chiropsalmus bronzeii, occurs in far north Queensland and causes only local pain and skin reactions. The jimble (Carybdea rastoni) is well-known in southern and western waters and will cause local pain and erythema. [nps.org.au]
Upon contact with the dorsal fin, the fish can deliver a very painful, potentially fatal, sting. Envenomation results in severe and immediate local pain, sometimes followed by shock, paralysis, tissue decay, and even death. [bransonswildworld.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Abdominal Pain
GI symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, thirst and dysphagia. Treatment: Gastric lavage, respiratory and circulatory support. Antihistamines appear to be helpful. [scuba-doc.com]
Symptoms include low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and abdominal pain occurring from 15 minutes to three hours after exposure. About the Author Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. [traveltips.usatoday.com]
Seek medical attention if the person develops further symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or if there is continuing pain, itchiness or blistering at the site. [healthdirect.gov.au]
If further symptoms develop, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or when pain, itchiness or blistering continues at the site, seek medical attention. [australiawidefirstaid.com.au]
Cardiovascular
- Hypotension
Nausea, vomiting, hypotension, delirium and cardiovascular collapse. Treatment: Irrigate and remove debris. Immerse in hot water 30 to 90 minutes. Give analgesia and inject 1 ml. Emetine if available (50 mg/ml). [scuba-doc.com]
Fatalities are often related to airway obstruction or hypotension. [aneskey.com]
Death results from respiratory failure and hypotension. Patients may need ventilatory support from 6 hours to several days. [emdocs.net]
IV fluids may be needed to control hypotension. Calcium gluconate, diazepam, and methocarbamol can be given for muscle spasm. 4. Amytriptyline has been used successfully to resolve neurological symptoms such as depression. 5. [snorkelstj.com]
Severe envenomations can be accompanied by systemic symptoms like vomiting, paralysis, seizures, respiratory distress and hypotension, but this review is limited to the more common local injuries. [ncemi.org]
- Hypertension
Hypertension will almost always resolve with good analgesia and benzodiazepines. [racgp.org.au]
Over 20-30 minutes, severe generalised back, abdominal, chest and muscle pain develop which are associated with tachycardia, hypertension, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, agitation and sweating. [nps.org.au]
Use benzodiazepines for hypertension, agitation and tachycardia. [emdocs.net]
- Tachycardia
Patients can develop tachycardia and hypertension, which may result in myocardial injury and pulmonary oedema. [racgp.org.au]
Use benzodiazepines for hypertension, agitation and tachycardia. [emdocs.net]
There is headache, flushing, dizziness, palpitations and tachycardia. One may see hypotension, bronchospasm, urticaria and anaphylaxis. GI symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, thirst and dysphagia. [scuba-doc.com]
Over 20-30 minutes, severe generalised back, abdominal, chest and muscle pain develop which are associated with tachycardia, hypertension, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, agitation and sweating. [nps.org.au]
Skin
- Erythema
Symptoms include: erythema (redness), arthralgias (joint pain), and edema (swelling). Treatment: symptomatic with soothing lotions and topical steroids. SEA ANEMONES, CORALS Phylum coelenterata (Cnidaria), Class Anthozoa. [scuba-doc.com]
Dermatologists usually encounter patients with erythema, blisters, wheals, edema, scars, pigmentary changes, and paresthesias (see an example shown below). [emedicine.medscape.com]
The sting may be painless or cause only mild irritation with a patch of erythema. [nps.org.au]
- Dermatitis
Sponges via flickr/mastrfshrmn Although most sea sponges are harmless and contact with them usually results in mild abrasion, there are a few species that produce crinitoxins and can cause irritation and dermatitis. [scuba.com]
Systemic steroids if a chronic dermatitis ensues. JELLYFISH and HYDROIDS Phylum coelenterata, Class Scyphozoa (true jellyfish, sea wasp) and Class Hydrozoa (hydroids, Man-of -War). [scuba-doc.com]
Apart from the above-mentioned contact dermatitis from chemical agents, some sponges can induce traumatic dermatitis after contact with the spicules, which penetrate the skin and cause foreign-body reactions. [link.springer.com]
Essentially underwater contact irritants consist of any substance that when the skin comes in contact with a substance that acts as an irritant and causes contact dermatitis. [leisurepro.com]
- Skin Rash
Welts and itchy skin rashes may also appear. Only the sting of the box jelly, or sea wasp (Chironex fleckeri), can result in death in humans. The box jelly is the only jellyfish for which a lifesaving, specific antidote exists. [papertrell.com]
These toxins live on the sponge or are sprayed through the pores as a defense against predators, causing skin rashes on humans. Symptoms There are a number of symptoms associated with sea sponge skin rashes. [healthyliving.azcentral.com]
Contact with the nematocysts of a feather hydroid induces a mild reaction, which consists of instantaneous burning, itching, and red raised skin rash. [dtmag.com]
It can cause skin rashes and mild to severe (rarely) allergic reactions. The sea sponges can also release substances called spicules into the surrounding waters, which are very tiny and sharply-pointed objects. [dovemed.com]
Definition Venomous marine animal bites or stings may cause skin irritation, rash or a puncture wound. [healthschool.blogspot.com]
- Pruritus
Ingestion of fish containing ciguatoxin may cause severe neurological manifestations (known as ciguatera), but dermatitis and pruritus are also described. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Intense and painful pruritus follows within seconds, which frequently induces the victim to rub the affected area vigorously, worsening the envenomation. [aneskey.com]
Pruritus (itching) is characteristically made worse by alcohol ingestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms usually disappear within 24 to 72 hours. [snorkelstj.com]
Medium Low MS NA NRF NRF NRF [22] Physalia physalis Severe * High MS NA Atrophy of subcutaneous tissue Blistering Edema Erythema Hyper-pigmentation Inflammation Keloids Lesions Linear plaques pain Long lasting dermal marks Necrosis Pain Pigmentation Pruritus [mdpi.com]
Psychiatrical
- Fear
Moreover most hobbyists feared their presence and tried to eliminate them altogether. Nowadays reefers are "kinder and gentler", not to mention much more knowledgeable regarding these early life forms. [wetwebmedia.com]
(Cassie Williams/CBC) A creature nicknamed the "floating terror" and feared for its painful and potentially deadly sting has been showing up on beaches in Nova Scotia. [cbc.ca]
Read My Fear of Crocodiles and Dispelling the Crocodile Myth by Jean-Philippe Soule Sea Lions Sea lions are usually playful, however they can be territorial and dangerous especially during the mating seasons. [nativeplanet.org]
Moon Jellyfish: Surfers fear these the most—30 minutes or so of burning and itching await the unlucky swimmer who runs into a moon jellyfish. [baymedical.org]
There is a reluctance to provide information due to the perception that tourism may decrease due to the fear of being stung. [mdpi.com]
Neurologic
- Irritability
Fell, DO, FAAEM Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Sea Sponge Irritation Facts Sea Sponge Irritation Symptoms Sea Sponge Irritation Treatment Sea Sponge Irritation Topic Guide Doctor's Notes on Wilderness: Sea Sponge Irritation Symptoms Sea [emedicinehealth.com]
- Confusion
When hunting the cuttlefish sends shimmering waves of colour along its body to distract or confuse its prey. A hermit crab in its second-hand shell © Catlin Seaview Survey 3. [nhm.ac.uk]
They occur in a variety of colours and have confused scientists for years. - with still much to learn about this species. Species Botrylloides Perspicuus: The Botrylloides perspicuus is a species of sea squirt that varies in colour. [sydneydives.com]
Take the person to the emergency department if these situations occur: Fever higher than 103°F Confusion Sluggishness (lethargy) Headache Seizures Difficulty breathing Chest or abdominal pains Fainting No urine in the last 12 hours Try to get people [baymedical.org]
Because fire coral is easily confused with other corals, color is a good way to identify it. Most fire coral is a brownish-orange or brownish-green. It frequently has white tips. Visible Stingers Getty Images Most fire coral have visible stingers. [thoughtco.com]
- Agitation
The patient is often distressed and may have associated agitation, nausea, vomiting and diaphoresis. Patients can develop tachycardia and hypertension, which may result in myocardial injury and pulmonary oedema. [racgp.org.au]
Applying fresh water will cause the stinging cells to become agitated, resulting in further pain. You can seek medical attention at the Malaquite Visitor Center or apply vinegar to the irritated area. [nps.gov]
Use benzodiazepines for hypertension, agitation and tachycardia. [emdocs.net]
Sea Squirts, usually about an inch in diameter, are capable of ejecting a stream of water when agitated, hence the name. Usually found in groups of several animals. See also: Horned Salp. [njscuba.net]
- Seizure
This isn’t normally fatal, but symptoms can include headaches, vomiting, seizures, paralysis and breathing difficulties. (Image Credit: Alexander Vasenin) 9. [australiangeographic.com.au]
Severe envenomations can be accompanied by systemic symptoms like vomiting, paralysis, seizures, respiratory distress and hypotension, but this review is limited to the more common local injuries. [ncemi.org]
[…] a day Fever over 101°F Diarrhea for more than 2 days Weight loss Decreased urine production Confusion Weakness Take the person to the emergency department if these situations occur: Fever higher than 103°F Confusion Sluggishness (lethargy) Headache Seizures [baymedical.org]
Symptoms from the venom cause weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, syncope, seizures, muscle cramps, hypotension and dysrhythmias. [emdocs.net]
Systemic symptoms may occur up to eight hours later, including: muscle spasms, cramps or pain nausea or vomiting difficulty swallowing increased salivation or sweating eye irritation headache dizziness difficulty walking seizure coma respiratory failure [healthschool.blogspot.com]
- Flaccid Paralysis
In severe cases there is rapid progression to a flaccid paralysis and respiratory failure. Early basic resuscitation to provide ventilatory support is essential in severe envenoming. [nps.org.au]
[…] intensified (as with Chironex) and are compounded by the onset of systemic symptoms, which may appear immediately or be delayed by several hours: • Neurologic: Malaise, headache, aphonia, diminished touch and temperature sensation, vertigo, ataxia, spastic or flaccid [aneskey.com]
Workup
Colonoscopy
- Polyps
There are two basic body forms; polyp and medusa. The polyp is a cup-shaped body—with the mouth facing upward (sea anemones, for example). The medusa is bell-shaped and has a downward-facing mouth (jellyfish, for example). [sciencelearningspace.com]
Each gorgonian is a colony of individuals, with a hard, flexible skeleton inhabited by many polyps, which look like tiny anemones. [toughlittlebirds.com]
& medusa MEDUSA POLYP Polyp forms are usually sessile with upright tentacles arranged around the mouth at the top and with a thin layer of mesoglea Polyps are the asexual stage Corals, hydra, & sea anemones exist in the polyp form as adults CORAL POLYPS [biologyjunction.com]
A coral colony consists of hundreds or thousands of tiny polyps. Each polyp is an individual animal (basically a small anemone) but they live together as a group. [oceanicresearch.org]
Cnidarians with a polyp body include sea anemones, coral, and hydra. The medusa is a free-swimming, reverse version of the polyp. The polyp is anchored with its mouth and tentacles facing up. [shmoop.com]
Treatment
Treatment: nonspecific, primarily supportive. Suggested treatment has included calcium gluconate, corticosteroids, atropine, vitamin B, pyroxidine, amitriptyline and mannitol. [scuba-doc.com]
First Aid and Treatment 1. Treatment is largely supportive and symptomatic. [snorkelstj.com]
Management Also see Treatment and Medication. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Prognosis
(Outcomes/Resolutions) The prognosis of Sea Sponge Irritation is generally good with effective and timely treatment, since a majority of the cases are mild. [dovemed.com]
Management: Fatal octopus bites are only found in Australia ABCs; intubate if respiratory failure No antivenom available Consider pressure bandage immobilization Wound care, tetanus prophylaxis Disposition: ICU care for ventilatory support Prognosis is [emdocs.net]
Etiology
(Etiology) The sea sponge can release a toxic chemical that can affect the skin on contact Depending on the amount of chemical in contact with the skin, the severity of the signs and symptoms is dictated What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sea Sponge Irritation [dovemed.com]
Shellfish poisonings, thought to have an algal etiology, include paralytic shellfish poisoning (saxitoxin), amnesic shellfish poisoning (domoic acid), diarrheic shellfish poisoning (okadaic acid), and erythematous (internal bleeding) shellfish poisoning [advancedaquarist.com]
Epidemiology
Other jellyfish Information on other jellyfish in Australia is based on isolated case reports and expert opinion due to the lack of epidemiological studies of definitely identified jellyfish stings. [nps.org.au]
Pathophysiology
Clinical reports and studies on the serologic response to jellyfish envenomation suggest that allergic reactions may play a significant pathophysiologic role in humans. [aneskey.com]
Human Pathophysiology after Envenomation 4.1. Cutaneous and Systemic Symptoms No one has been found to be resistant to the pain of jellyfish envenomation. Nonetheless, some people may be more resistant to a low dose of toxins than others. [mdpi.com]
Prevention
Caution should be used to prevent scalding the skin which can easily occur after a brief period in water above 122ºF (50ºC). 3. Clean the wound of all foreign objects. Use an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. [snorkelstj.com]
To moisten, clean, cool, or wipe with a sponge. abdominal sponge A flat sponge formerly used during surgery as packing to prevent closing or obstruction by intrusion of viscera, as covering to prevent tissue injury, and as absorbents. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
When you’re in the water, you can prevent injuries by being informed about local marine life and water conditions. [iamat.org]