SNAKE BITE

General Information

DEFINITION--Bite from a poisonous snake. Bites on the extremities are most common, but bites on the head and trunk are most dangerous. Not all bites involve actual injection of venom.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Exposed skin; blood; lymphatic system.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Will vary depending on the species. May include:

• Severe pain and swelling around the bite.
• Weakness and dizziness.
• Irregular heart beat.
• Excessive sweating.
• Low blood pressure and shock.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Numbness and tingling around the mouth and in the hands and feet.
• Breathing difficulty.
• Blurred vision.
• Seizures.
• Coma.
• Multiple fang marks and small cuts, if the bite is from a coral snake. Symptoms may not appear for 3 to 4 hours.
• Deep single or double fang marks, if the bite is from another snake. Symptoms begin quickly.
• Skin discoloration that resembles bruising around the bite.
• Bleeding spots under the skin all over the body.

CAUSES--Bite from a poisonous snake, including pit vipers (rattlesnake, copperhead, water moccasin) and coral snake. Coral snakes are nocturnal and placid (their bites are less common than pit vipers).

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Outdoor activities during warm months in areas where poisonous snakes are abundant.
• Risk taking behaviors; alcohol consumption.

HOW TO PREVENT--Wear protective shoes, boots and clothing for hiking, camping, fishing and hunting. Prevent complications by carrying a snakebite kit and instructions. Avoid alcohol while participating in these outdoor activities.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• If possible, identify the snake, but don't waste time looking for it.
• Physical exam, laboratory blood studies, urinalysis and other tests as needed to monitor vital signs.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Administer first aid, then emergency room care for treatment and monitoring. Remove rings or constrictive items close to the bite. Place affected part at same level as the heart. Immobilize the patient horizontally and transport to medical care immediately. Do not give alcohol, do not apply ice, do not apply a tourniquet. Skin incisions are not recommended unless the person has medical training.
• Hospitalization for mechanical breathing support if needed, dialysis treatment if kidneys stop working, cardiac and neurological monitoring.
• Surgical debridement (removal of dead or contaminated tissue) after 3 or 4 days.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Gangrene, requiring amputation of the affected part.
• Aspiration pneumonia.
• Shock.
• Convulsions.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with early and proper medical care. Often with bites from poisonous snakes, little or no venom is injected.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----Don't panic! Venom will spread more quickly through the body if the victim runs or becomes excited.

MEDICATION--Your 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.)

ACTIVITY--Resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You or someone you are with receives a snakebite.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.