Snake bites should never be taken lightly. But some are dry bites that are less destructive and will most probably trigger swelling; others are venomous bites, which can lead to loss of life if not treated carefully and quickly.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a snake, seek immediate medical attention because it could be a matter of life and death. Snake bites can result in a wide range of disabilities, from the skin and soft tissue injury that results in scarring to deeper muscle, connective tissue, and vascular necrosis and gangrene resulting in significant loss of limb use or even amputation.

Poor wound healing can result in disfigurement and permanent loss of function. Spitting cobras can spray venom into the eyes, causing conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, erosion, in the worst-case scenario, blindness.

Some toxins found in snake venom can have an indirect effect on kidney function, necessitating long-term hemodialysis or even kidney transplantation. All of these injuries necessitate extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation.

The Bite

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 Poisonous snakes use modified salivary glands to inject venom. During envenomation (the injection of venom or poison), the venom travels from the venom gland through a duct into the snake’s fangs and then into its prey. Not every snakebite results in envenomation. Snakes can control whether and how much venom they release. Dry bites (bite where no venom is injected) account for 25 to 50 percent of snake bites. This variation varies by species, with approximately 25% of pit viper bites and up to 50% of coral snake bites being “dry.” Snake venom is a complex mixture of substances with varying effects.

If at all possible, take a picture of the snake from a safe distance. The snake’s identification can aid in snakebite treatment.

• Try to maintain you’re cool.

• As the situation develops, keep updating and informing emergency first responders.

• As you wait for an emergency paramedic to transport you to the hospital, administer first aid.

• Lay or sit with your bite in a comfortable neutral position.

• Before the swelling begins, take off your rings and watch.

• Using soap and water, wash the bite. Position yourself so that the bite occurs below the heart level, if possible.

• Wrap the bite with only a clean, dry dressing.

• Make a note of the time next to the leading edge of tenderness/swelling on the skin.

 WARNING: DO NOT PERFORM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES.

• Do not apply a tourniquet or ice to the wound; do not cut the wound or try to remove the venom.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can hasten the absorption of venom in your body.

• Do not attempt to catch the snake. Try to recall its color and shape so you can describe it to your doctor, which will aid in your treatment. Take a picture of the snake from a safe distance if you have a smartphone and it won’t delay getting help.

• Do not pick up or try to catch the snake. Never handle a venomous snake, even if it is dead or decapitated

Symptoms

Snake bites are most common on the limbs. Pain and scratches are common after being bitten by a nonvenomous snake. Within 15 to 30 minutes after being bitten by a venomous snake, the bite site usually experiences severe burning pain. Swelling and bruising around the wound, as well as up the arm or leg, can result.

Nausea labored breathing and a general feeling of weakness and an odd taste in the mouth are some of the other signs and symptoms. Toxins found in some snakes, such as coral snakes, cause neurological symptoms such as skin tingling, speech difficulty, and weakness. A venomous snake can bite without injecting venom on rare occasions. Irritation occurs as a result of these “dry bites.”

• Puncture marks on the wound

• Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite site

• Severe pain and tenderness • Vomiting, nauseousness, or diarrhea

• Excessive breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)

• High heart rate, sluggish pulse, and low blood pressure

• Obstruction of vision

• A metallic, minty, or rubbery aftertaste

• Increased sweating and salivation

• Tingling or numbness around the face and/or limbs

• twitching of muscles

How can you prevent being attacked by a snake?

Snakes may or may not be difficult to avoid depending on where you live (or choose to vacation). However, if you’re going to be in snake territory, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid being bitten:

• Always be aware of where your hands and feet are placed. Never reach into unknown spaces or holes, or beneath objects, without first making sure there isn’t a snake lurking beneath them.

• Avoid lying down or sitting in areas where snakes may be present.

• When walking through or working in dense vegetation, wear high-top leather boots.

• Never try to catch, handle, or keep a venomous snake.

• If you come across a snake, step back slowly and don’t touch it. Treatment for snake and victims are getting better. Apart from providing safe, effective, and affordable antivenoms, providing proper education and training to estates and the general public is the most important step toward improving the treatment of snakebite envenoming. The main reason for documenting this solution is because of this. Snake bites can be extremely dangerous if you don’t act quickly, and they can even kill you. Create certain you take preventative measures to avoid having bitten by a snake.

Emergency First Aid Of Snake Bite

• Try to remember to draw a circle around the affected area and record the time of the snakebite and the initial reaction if at all possible. Redraw the circle around the injury site, marking the passage of time if you are able.
• It’s helpful to remember the snake’s appearance, size, and type if you know it so you can tell the emergency room staff.
• Don’t use a tourniquet
• Do not attempt to drink the venom.
• If you go to the emergency room, you may be given:
• Try to remember to draw a circle around the affected area and record the time of the bite and the initial reaction if at all possible. Redraw the circle
• Around the injury site, mark the passage of time if you are able.
• It’s helpful to remember the snake’s appearance, size, and type if you know it so you can tell the emergency room staff. • Don’t use a tourniquet.
• Do not attempt to drink the venom.
• If you go to the emergency room, you may be given:
• Antibiotics to prevent or treat developing infections
• Medicine to treat your pain
• Depending on the type of snake that bit you and the severity of your symptoms, you may need a specific antivenin.