Snake bites Health Article

Definition

Snake bites occur when a snake bites the skin, and are medical emergencies if the snake is poisonous.

Alternative Names

Bites - snakes

Considerations

Snake bites can be deadly if not treated quickly. Children are at higher risk for death or serious complications due to snake bites because of their smaller body size.

The right antivenom can save a person's life. Getting to an emergency room as quickly as possible is very important. If properly treated, many snake bites will not have serious effects.

Causes

Poisonous snake bites include bites by any of the following:

• Cobra
• Copperhead
• Coral snake
• Cottonmouth (water moccasin)
• Rattlesnake
• Various snakes found at zoos

All snakes will bite when threatened or surprised, but most will usually avoid people if possible and only bite as a last resort.

Snakes found in and near water are often mistaken as being poisonous. Most species of snake are harmless and many bites are not life-threatening, but unless you are absolutely sure that you know the species, treat it seriously.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of snake, but may include:

• Bleeding from wound
• Blurred vision
• Burning of the skin
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Fainting
• Fang marks in the skin
• Fever
• Increased thirst
• Loss of muscle coordination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness and tingling
• Rapid pulse
• Tissue death
• Severe pain
• Skin discoloration
• Swelling at the site of the bite
• Weakness

Rattlesnake bites are painful when they occur. Symptoms usually begin right away and may include:

• Bleeding
• Breathing difficulty
• Blurred vision
• Eyelid drooping
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness
• Pain at site of bite
• Paralysis
• Rapid pulse
• Skin color changes
• Swelling
• Tingling
• Tissue damage
• Thirst
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Weak pulse

Cottonmouth and copperhead bites are painful right when they occur. Symptoms, which usually begin right away, may include:

• Bleeding
• Breathing difficulty
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness and tingling
• Pain at site of bite
• Shock
• Skin color changes
• Swelling
• Thirst
• Tiredness
• Tissue damage
• Weakness
• Weak pulse

Coral snake bites may be painless at first. Major symptoms may not develop for hours. DO NOT make the mistake of thinking you will be fine if the bite area looks good and you are not in a lot of pain. Untreated coral snake bites can be deadly. Symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Breathing difficulty
• Convulsions
• Drowsiness
• Eyelid drooping
• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Mouth watering (excessive salivation)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness
• Pain and swelling at site of bite
• Paralysis
• Shock
• Slurred speech
• Swallowing difficulty
• Swelling of tongue and throat
• Weakness
• Skin color changes
• Skin tissue damage
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Weak pulse