sengat

Sengat is a term used in Indonesian and Malay to refer to the sting or the venom-delivering apparatus of an animal, as well as the act of being stung. It is commonly applied to insects such as bees, wasps, and hornets, but can also describe stings from other creatures that inject venom through a specialized structure, including some scorpions, jellyfish, and certain marine animals.

The stinger or venom apparatus varies among species. In bees and wasps, the stinger is a specialized organ through which venom is injected into the skin. For other animals, venom may be delivered by spines, nematocysts, or other structures that puncture tissue, causing pain and potential local or systemic effects.

Symptoms after a sengat can range from mild to severe. Typical effects include sharp pain, redness, swelling, and itching at the sting site. Some individuals may experience more significant reactions, such as widespread swelling, hives, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, which can indicate an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis and requires urgent medical attention.

First aid generally includes removing the stinger if present, cleansing the area, applying a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling, and using over-the-counter analgesics or antihistamines as appropriate. Severe reactions or signs of anaphylaxis require emergency care, and individuals with known allergies may carry an epinephrine auto-injector.

Etymologically, sengat stems from Malay and Indonesian languages and remains a common everyday term for stings in those regions. It is used in medical, natural history, and everyday contexts to describe the impact of venomous stings on humans and other animals.