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SYMPTOMS OF SNAKE BITE
The most common symptoms of all snakebites are panic, fear and emotional instability associated with minor pain and redness; which may further cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, vertigo, fainting, tachycardia, and cold, clammy skin
Even in the case of non poisonous snakes, if not properly treated by qualified medical professionals;
1. It may become infected and if neglected, it may even kill the victim.
2. The saliva and fangs of the snake may harbor many dangerous microbial contaminants, including Clostridium tetani.
Bites by poisonous snakes may be extremely painful, with the local tissue sometimes becoming tender and severely swollen within 5 minutes. This area may also bleed and blister.
Bites caused by the Mojave rattlesnake and the speckled rattlesnake reportedly cause little or no pain despite being serious injuries. Victims may describe a “rubbery,” “minty,” or “metallic” taste if bitten by certain species of rattlesnake.
Spitting cobras and Rinkhalses can spit venom in their victims’ eyes. This results in immediate pain, vision problems, and sometimes blindness.
Some Australian elapids and most viper envenomations will cause coagulopathy, sometimes so severe that a person may bleed spontaneously from the mouth, nose, and even old, seemingly-healed wounds. Internal organs may bleed, including the brain and intestines and will cause ecchymosis (bruising) of the victim's skin. If the bleeding is left unchecked the victim may die of blood loss.
The victim of cobras, most sea snakes, mambas, and other elapids, may present with strange disturbances to their vision, including blurriness. This is commonly due to the venom paralyzing the ciliary muscle, which is responsible for focusing the lens of the eye, but can be the result of eyelid paralysis as well. Victims will also report paresthesia throughout their body, as well as difficulty speaking and breathing. Nervous system problems will cause a huge array of symptoms, and those provided here are not exhaustive. In any case, if the victim is not treated immediately they may die from respiratory failure.
Venom emitted from some Australian elapids, almost all vipers, and all sea snakes causes necrosis of muscle tissue. Muscle tissue may begin to die throughout the body, a condition known as rhabdomyolysis. Dead muscle cells may even clog the kidney which filters out proteins. This, coupled with hypotension, can lead to kidney failure, and, if left untreated, eventually death.
FIRST AID IN THE CASE OF SNAKE BITE
Protect the patient (and others, including yourself) from further bites.
While identifying the species is desirable in certain regions, do not risk further bites or delay proper medical treatment by attempting to capture or kill the snake. If the snake has not already fled, carefully remove the patient from the immediate area.
Keep the patient calm and call for help to arrange for transport to the nearest hospital emergency room, where antivenin for snakes common to the area will often be available.
Make sure to keep the bitten limb in a functional position and below the victim's heart level so as to minimize blood returning to the heart and other organs of the body.
Do not give the patient anything to eat or drink. This is especially important with consumable alcohol, a known vasodilator which will speedup the absorption of venom. Do not administer stimulants or pain medications to the victim, unless specifically directed to do so by a physician.
Remove any items or clothing which may constrict the bitten limb if it swells (rings, bracelets, watches, footwear, etc.)
Keep the patient as still as possible.
Do not incise the bitten site.
Wash the bite with soap and water. And submit the same to the medical professionals to help in their dignoising the type of the snake or venom for recommending an opt treatment. However, do not attempt to clean the area with any type of chemical.
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