General Information
DEFINITION--Bite from a venomous snake, including rattlesnake, copperhead, water moccasin or coral snake. Bites on the extremities are most common, but bites on the head and trunk are most dangerous. They are likely to happen to runners, joggers, walkers, hikers, backpackers, fishers, boaters and campers, or anyone playing or working where snakes live.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSIf the bite is from a coral snake, it will have multiple fang marks and small cuts. Coral-snake symptoms may not appear for 3 to 4 hours. If the bite is from another snake, it will have deep single or double-fang marks. Symptoms from other snakes begin quickly. Symptoms of any venomous snakebite include:
Severe pain and swelling around the bite.
Skin discoloration that resembles bruising around the bite.
Bleeding spots under the skin all over the body.
Numbness and tingling around the mouth and in the hands and feet.
Excessive sweating.
Fever.
Low blood pressure and life-threatening shock.
Breathing difficulty.
Blurred vision.
Headache.
Seizures.
Coma.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSBites from venomous snakes are most likely to occur during outdoor activities in warm months in areas where venomous snakes are abundant.
HOW TO PREVENTWear protective shoes, boots and clothing for hiking, camping, fishing and hunting. Prevent complications by carrying a snakebite kit and instructions when you enter high-risk areas.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood studies.
SURGERYOccasionally necessary to remove injured or gangrenous tissue 2 to 3 days after the bite.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS
Usually curable with rapid medical care. Severe bites involving a large amount of venom may be fatal -- even with treatment. After one snakebite, succeeding snakebites may produce a more severe reaction.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Gangrene, requiring amputation of the affected part.
DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation). This is a serious disruption of blood-clotting mechanisms, resulting in hemorrhaging or internal bleeding.
Severe immunological response if the victim has had a previous venomous snakebite.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTTreatment as soon as possible at an emergency facility.
HOME TREATMENT
Don't panic! Venom will spread more quickly through the body if the victim runs or becomes excited.
Before giving first aid, identify the snake.
Don't pack the affected part in ice.
If the bite is from a coral snake, elevate and immobilize the bitten part and go to the nearest emergency facility.
If it is from another venomous snake:
Put a light tourniquet (constricting band of any sort) 3 or 4 inches above the bite, toward the body. Don't use a tourniquet if 30 minutes or more have passed since the bite.
Wash the bite with soap and water.
Immobilize the bitten area.
Go immediately to the nearest emergency facility.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Antivenin to neutralize snake poison.
Tetanus booster injection.
Antibiotics to prevent infection.
Pain relievers. (Narcotics cannot be used for coral-snake bites. They may cause shock.)
ACTIVITYResume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You or someone you are with receives a snakebite that could be venomous.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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