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Snake bite prevention and first aid information
Snake bite prevention and first aid information
Snake bite prevention and first aid information
A snakebite is an injury caused by the bite of a snake. It often results in two puncture wounds from the animal's fangs.[1] Sometimes poisoning from the bite may occur.[2] This may result in redness, swelling, and severe pain at the area, which may take up to an hour to appear. Vomiting, trouble seeing, tingling of the limbs, and sweating may result.[1][3] Most bites are on the hands or arms.[3] Fear following a bite is common with symptoms of a racing heart and feeling faint.[3] The venom may cause bleeding, kidney failure, a severe allergic reaction, tissue death around the bite, or breathing problems.[1][2] Bites may result in the loss of a limb or other chronic problems.[2] The outcome depends on the type of snake, the area of the body bitten, the amount of venom injected, and the health conditions of the person.[4] Problems are often worse in children than adults.
Snakes bite both as a method of hunting and as a means of protection.[5] Risk factors for bites include working outside with one's hand such as in farming, forestry, and construction.[1][2] Snakes commonly involved in poisonings include the elapids, vipers, and sea snakes.[6] The majority of snake species do not have venom and kill their prey by squeezing them.[3] Venomous snakes can be found on every continent except Antarctica.[5] Determining the type of snake that caused a bite is often not possible.[6] The World Health Organization lists snakebite as a neglected disease.Prevention of snake bites can involve wearing protective footwear, avoiding areas where snakes live, and not handling snakes. Treatment partly depends on the type of snake.[1] Washing the wound with soap and water and holding the limb still is recommended.[1][6] Trying to suck out the venom, cutting the wound with a knife, or using a tourniquet is not recommended.[1] Antivenom is effective at preventing death from bites; however, antivenoms frequently have side effects.[2][8] The type of antivenom needed depends on the type of snake involved. When the type of snake is unknown, antivenom is often given based on the types known to be in the area.[6] In some areas of the world getting the right type of antivenom is difficult and this partly contributes to why they sometimes do not work. An additional issue is the cost of these medications.[2] Antivenom has little effect on the area around the bite itself. Supporting the person's breathing is sometimes also required.
Snakes bite both as a method of hunting and as a means of protection.[5] Risk factors for bites include working outside with one's hand such as in farming, forestry, and construction.[1][2] Snakes commonly involved in poisonings include the elapids, vipers, and sea snakes.[6] The majority of snake species do not have venom and kill their prey by squeezing them.[3] Venomous snakes can be found on every continent except Antarctica.[5] Determining the type of snake that caused a bite is often not possible.[6] The World Health Organization lists snakebite as a neglected disease.Prevention of snake bites can involve wearing protective footwear, avoiding areas where snakes live, and not handling snakes. Treatment partly depends on the type of snake.[1] Washing the wound with soap and water and holding the limb still is recommended.[1][6] Trying to suck out the venom, cutting the wound with a knife, or using a tourniquet is not recommended.[1] Antivenom is effective at preventing death from bites; however, antivenoms frequently have side effects.[2][8] The type of antivenom needed depends on the type of snake involved. When the type of snake is unknown, antivenom is often given based on the types known to be in the area.[6] In some areas of the world getting the right type of antivenom is difficult and this partly contributes to why they sometimes do not work. An additional issue is the cost of these medications.[2] Antivenom has little effect on the area around the bite itself. Supporting the person's breathing is sometimes also required.
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