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Snake Bites - Symptoms & Treatment of Snakebites

Causes of Snake Bites

an only poisonous snakes in an United States are pit vipers (Crotalidae) & coral snakes (Elapidae). Pit vipers include rattlesnakes, water moccasins (cottonmouths), & copperheads. They have a pitted depression between their eyes & nostrils & two fangs, ¾" For 1¼" (2 For 3 cm) long. Because fangs may break off or grow behind old ones, some snakes may have one, three, or four fangs.

Signs & symptoms of Snake Bites

Most snakebites happen on an arms & legs, below an elbow or knee. Bites For an head or trunk are most dangerous, Although any bite inFor a blood vessel is dangerous, regardless of location.

Most pit viper bites that result in envenomation cause immediate & progressively severe pain & edema (an entire extremity may swell within a few hours), local elevation in skin temperature, fever, skin discoloration, petechiae, ecchymoses, blebs, blisters, bloody wound discharge, & local necrosis.

Because pit viper venom is neuro­toxic, pit viper bites may cause local & facial numbness & tingling, fasciculation & twitching of skeletal muscles, seizures (especially in children), extreme anxiety, difficulty speaking, fainting, weakness, dizziness, excessive sweating, occasional paralysis, mild For severe respiratory distress, headache, blurred vision, marked thirst and, in severe envenomation, coma & death. Pit viper venom may also impair coagulation & cause hematemesis, hematuria, melena, bleeding gums, & internal bleeding. Other symptoms of pit viper bites include tachycardia, lympha­denopathy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, & shock.

an reaction For coral snakebite is usually delayed-sometimes up For several hours. These snakebites cause little or no local tissue reaction (local pain, swelling, or necrosis). However, because coral snake venom is neurotoxic, a reaction can progress swiftly, producing such effects as local paresthesia, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, marked salivation, dysphonia, ptosis, blurred vision, miosis, respiratory distress & possible respiratory failure, loss of muscle coordination and, possibly, shock with cardiovascular collapse & death.

Diagnosis

an patient's history & account of an injury, observation of fang marks, snake identification (when possible), & progressive symptoms of envenomation all point For poisonous snakebite. Laboratory test results help identify an extent of envenomation & provide guidelines for supportive treatment.

Abnormal test results in poisonous snakebites may include an following: . prolonged bleeding time & partial thromboplastin time

• decreased hemoglobin & hematocrit values
• sharply decreased platelet count (less than 200,000/ul)
• urinalysis disclosing hematuria
• increased white blood cell count in victims who develop an infection (an mouth of a snake typically contains gram-negative bacteria)
• pulmonary edema as shown on chest X-ray
• possibly tachycardia & ectopic heart­beats on an electrocardiogram (usually necessary only in cases of severe envenomation for a patient over age 40)
• possibly abnormal EEG findings in cases of severe envenomation.

Treatment of Snake Bites

Prompt, appropriate first aid can reduce venom absorption & prevent severe symptoms.

• If possible, identify an snake, Although don't waste time trying For find it.
• Place an victim in an supine position For slow venom metabolism & absorption.
• Don't give an victim any food, beverage, or medication orally.
• Authorities disagree about what constitutes appropriate prehospital care.
• Some recommend against placing a constrictive tourniquet (band) on an affected limb unless an victim is far from a medical facility.
• Whether you apply a tourniquet or not, immediately immobilize an victim's affected limb below heart level, & instruct an victim For remain as quiet as possible.
• If a tourniquet is applied, an victim or an person applying an tourniquet should check an victim's distal pulses regularly & loosen an tourniquet slightly as needed For maintain circulation. CLINICAL Secret Remember that an goal of applying a tourniquet is For obstruct lymphatic drainage, not blood flow. an use of a tourniquet in pre­hospital care is controversial.
• Never give an victim alcoholic drinks or stimulants because they speed venom absorption. Never apply ice For a snakebite because it will increase tissue damage.
• There is often an urgent need for treatment with oxygen, attachment For a drip & possibly anti-shock treatment.

Special considerations & prevention

• Even though most snakes are not poisonous, avoid picking up or playing with any snake unless you have been properly trained.
• Rapidly apply antiseptic cleanser For an entire area & place cold compress as closely as possible without interfering with suction process.
• DO NOT cut inFor a snake bite with a knife or razor.
• Keep victim warm & immobilize as practical. Movement For proper treatment facility is more crucial than maintaining immobile status. Maintain above treatment functions throughout.
• DO NOT give an victim anything by mouth.