In this article, I'll share some of the common symptoms of snake bites and the precautions you can follow to prevent getting bitten by poisonous snakes.
What is snake bites?
Snake bites occur when a snake bites you, and you are in direct contact with the snake. Snake bites are most often caused by adder (mud snake) bites. Symptoms of a snake bite include: Any sudden or sharp pain, itching, swelling, redness or tenderness. Numbness, tingling or burning in the affected area. Vomiting or dizziness. Loss of consciousness or convulsions. What to do if you are bitten by a snake Before seeking medical treatment, please follow a few preventative measures. Do not panic if you are bitten. After you have first reacted, do not seek medical help immediately. Wait till you get to a safer place where you can wash the snake bite site with clean water.
Symptoms of snake bites
Snake bites usually occur when a person brushes up against a venomous snake. To get a better idea of how a snake bites you, you may want to check out the CDC's 2018 public health report on snake bites. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a snake bite: Your skin may be numb and the area around the bite may swell. Pain can spread from the site of the bite up to the arm or leg. If the bite does not immediately start to cause pain, you should get to a hospital right away. If a snake bites you, the venom will enter your body through the bite site and travel to the muscles and joints. It can affect any part of your body, including the: Arms Legs Head For more severe symptoms and further treatment recommendations, contact the nearest hospital emergency department.
Preventive measures
One of the best ways to prevent getting bitten by a snake is to avoid contact with a snake, which requires a bit of planning and consideration. The first and perhaps most important step is to avoid contact with all venomous snakes, because even if you're not in a snake's territory, you still run a risk of being bitten by one of them if you step on it accidentally or reach into its habitat. This is because snakes are designed to hunt and kill their prey. Another thing you should avoid is getting bitten by a snake if you: are wearing short sleeves or a swimsuit when you're near a snake's habitat. are walking around during daytime. are not carrying a flashlight. are walking in an area where the ground is dry and cracked, as this increases the snake's risk of a snake bite.
Treatment for snake bites
If you've been bitten by a snake, immediately wash the area with soap and water. If possible, apply first aid measures including a tourniquet. But don't use any dressing; it could delay your knowledge of the snake's venom and delay treatment. If you have serious symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Take the following precautions: Risk of venom poisoning Most snake bites happen to older adults, and it's more common in people over 60 years of age. There is one reported death caused by a bite. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about two deaths every year from snake bites in the U.S. An estimated 2,000 to 6,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. each year.
Conclusion
Snake bites are quite a serious situation, which requires immediate medical attention. One of the most important factors is the control of the venom, which often causes death.