About Snake Bites
The harmful effects of snake bites can vary depending on the type of snake. Some common issues caused by venom include:
- Venom-induced tissue damage: Snake venom contains poisons that can directly harm tissues, causing cell death (necrosis) and inflammation.
- Blood clotting problems: Certain snake venoms can interfere with the blood clotting process, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
- Muscle breakdown: Some snake venoms can destroy muscle tissue, causing muscle proteins to enter the bloodstream, which can lead to possible kidney damage.
- Heart damage: Snake venom can affect the heart and blood vessels, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and heart (cardiac) problems.
Non-modifiable risk factors for snake bites cannot be changed or controlled. This includes:
- Age and gender: Studies have shown that males and middle-aged individuals are at higher risk of snake bites.
Modifiable risk factors for snake bites can be influenced or changed. These include:
- Exposure to snakes: Activities that increase the chance of encountering snakes include walking barefoot in areas where snakes are common or handling snakes without proper safety precautions.
- Lack of knowledge: Not knowing about the presence of venomous snakes in an area or being unaware of ways to prevent snakebites increases the risk of being bitten.
- Access to healthcare: Limited access to healthcare facilities or delays in getting medical help after a snake bite can make the situation worse.
- Geography: Living or working in areas where venomous snakes are common increases the risk of snake bites.
- Occupation: Certain jobs such as agriculture, forestry, and construction increase the chances of encountering snakes.
Remember, these are general descriptions. For specific information about your individual situation, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.
The most common symptoms of snake bites may include:
- Puncture marks at the wound
- Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite
- Severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
- Rapid heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure
- Disturbed vision
- Metallic, mint, or rubber taste in the mouth
- Increased salivation and sweating
- Numbness or tingling around face and/or limbs
- Muscle twitching
As the snake bite progresses or if it is more severe, other common symptoms that may occur include:
- Kidney damage
- Tissue death (necrosis): May appear black
- Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
- Eye problems, such as blurry vision
- Nerve damage (neurotoxicity)
- Fatigue
- Allergic-like reactions (anaphylactoid reaction)
- Anxiety
- Heart (cardiac) symptoms such as irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and reduced blood flow to the heart (ischemia)
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the type of snake and severity of amount of venom injected (envenomation). If you experience a snake bite or suspect one, seek medical attention immediately.
To diagnose snake bites, the following examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:
- Patient history: The healthcare provider will gather information about the snake bite incident, including the circumstances and any symptoms experienced.
- Physical examination: A thorough examination of the bite site and surrounding areas will be done to assess for signs of venom poisoning, such as swelling, redness, and tissue damage.
- Laboratory tests: Blood tests may be done to check for damage to the kidneys, heart, and muscles.
To determine the stage or severity of snake bites, additional examinations, tests, and procedures may include:
- Regular clinical examinations: Ongoing check-ups are done to monitor the effects of the venom on the body. These exams help detect issues like:
- Bleeding from the gums: Venom can interfere with blood clotting.
- Hematuria: Blood in the urine, which can indicate kidney involvement or bleeding.
- Hematemesis: Vomiting blood, which suggests internal bleeding.
- Bleeding from an intravenous (IV) cannula site: This can occur if venom affects the blood’s ability to clot properly.
- Some people will need to be admitted to the hospital to monitor for severe symptoms such as bleeding, low blood pressure, nerve damage, or heart problems.
- Neurological assessment: Signs of neuromuscular paralysis, such as drooping eyelids (ptosis), eye muscle weakness (ophthalmoplegia), and facial paralysis, may indicate nerve damage (neurotoxicity) caused by venom.
- Kidney function evaluation: Acute kidney injury can happen after a snakebite due to the effects of venom. Kidney function is assessed based on the criteria from the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines.
It's important to note that these examinations, tests, and procedures should be performed by healthcare professionals with expertise in managing snake bites.
The goals of treatment for snake bites are as follows:
- Administering antivenom: Antivenom is the main treatment for venomous snake bites. It should be given as soon as possible after a bite to neutralize the venom and prevent further harm to the body.
- First aid measures: First aid measures aim to reduce toxicity and limit flow of the venom. These include keeping the affected limb still with splints and avoiding movement to minimize venom spread. Positioning the limb below or at the level of the heart depends on how severe the venom’s effects are.
- Pressure immobilization bandages: These bandages help slow down the absorption of venom into the body and can reduce mortality in some cases. However, their effectiveness may be limited due to improper application in real world situations. Compression pads and rings can also be used in specific circumstances.
- Education and health behavior changes: Education programs are crucial to raise awareness about snake bites and teach proper first aid methods. These programs also emphasize avoiding traditional remedies and unsafe techniques that can cause complications.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.