About this topic
Snakes come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Their skin may blend in with the place where they live. Some snakes inject poison into your body when they bite, which can cause great harm. It may cause a long-lasting injury. Other snakes dont have poison in their bite, but you may not know which snake does, so seek medical help right away. ‚
What are the causes?
Snakes most often try to avoid people. But, a snake will bite when it feels threatened or surprised. The snakes fangs cut into your skin when they bite. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Most snake bites happen in dark areas, where tall grasses grow, or near water. Some snakes may enter the house to look for food or find a place to hide. Snakes are commonly found in rural areas. Your risk for a snake bite is higher if you work or live on a farm. People who fish or have a herd of animals are also at a higher risk. ‚
What are the main signs?
The physical signs that you have after a snake bite depends on the type of snake, but may include: ‚
- Signs on your skin:
- Fang marks or puncture wounds on the skin
- Swelling, burning, or tingling
- Very bad pain where you were bitten
- Bleeding, bruising, redness, or changes in the tissue where you were bitten
- General signs:
- Trouble breathing
- Blurred eyesight
- Throwing up
- Dizziness or fainting
- Weakness or tiredness
- Loss of use of your muscles
- Convulsions
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will do an exam. The doctor will ask about: ‚
- When and what part of your body has been bitten
- The physical signs you are having
- Try to describe what color, shape, and markings are on the snake. It will help the doctor treat you if the type of snake is known.
Your doctor will check your skin for: ‚
- Tenderness or pain
- The extent of swelling
- Blisters
- Changes in color
- Loss of sensation
- Rotting flesh smell
Your doctor will also check for: ‚
- Tenderness of your belly
- Low back pain
- Eye or eyesight changes
- Breathing problems
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- An antivenom drug is a special drug used to stop the effects of the poison in your body. It should be given right away and is based on the kind of snake that bit you.
- Your doctor will treat the injured area, as needed.
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Breathing problems
- Infection
- Tissue damage
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop the effects of the poison
- Help with any signs you are having
Will there be any other care needed?
You may need to have a tetanus booster. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid the areas and places where snakes live and hide.
- Stay away from where wood is kept and under rocks or in tall grasses. Keep young children away from these areas.
- Snakes are more likely to come out of hiding after rainy days and during flooding. They are also often out during harvest time and at night. Take extra care during these times.
- Walk on clear or open paths or trails. Avoid any loose rocks, bushes, or tall grasses.
- Do not put your hands into hollow logs or spaces under stones and pits where a snake may be hiding or living.
- Protect yourself from snake bites.
- Wear shoes or boots and long pants in areas where snakes are common.
- Use a flashlight, torch, or lamp when walking in the dark.
- Avoid snakes when you see them. Leave the area and never try to touch, attack, or trap a snake.
- Be careful when handling dead snakes or snakes that seem to be dead.
- Do not keep livestock, like chickens, inside your house. Snakes may come in to hunt them.
- Avoid sleeping on the ground, especially if you live in rural areas.
Helpful tips
First aid for a snake bite: ‚
- A snake bite is a medical emergency and you should call for emergency help right away.
- Try not to move the bitten area and keep it below the heart level to slow the flow of venom.
- Remove anything that is tight, such as rings, watches, and shoes, because the area may swell.
- Check the persons temperature, rate of breathing, and blood pressure if possible. If there are signs of shock (paleness, sweating, problems breathing), lay the person flat, raise the feet up, and cover the person with a blanket.
- DO NOT cut the area and try to suck out the venom.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/ ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bites-snake/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚