Snake Bite

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A snake bite is a wound that you get from being bitten by a poisonous snake. Poisonous snakes in the United States include coral snakes and pit vipers such as rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads. They inject venom (poison) when they bite that can damage your muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues. When venom is released during a bite, it enters your tissues and spreads to other body parts. Snakes often bite when they are stepped on or picked up. Snake bites are more common from April to September when snakes are more active and people spend more time outdoors. When you are bitten, see a caregiver as soon as possible.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of a snake bite may appear a few minutes to hours after the bite. You may have pain, swelling, redness, or numbness (no feeling) in the area of the bite. Later as the venom spreads, you may throw up, have a fever or seizures (convulsions), stomach pains, or bleeding. Your caregiver will try to tell what type of snake bit you and he may do blood tests. The main treatment for a poisonous snake bite is anti-venom medicine and a tetanus shot. You may also need antibiotics for your wound or surgery to remove the damaged tissues from it. Early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent your wound from getting worse or you becoming more sick.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger.

First-aid for a snake bite:

• Stay calm, sit or lie down, and stay still. Avoid moving the part of your body where you were bitten. Too much movement may help spread the venom to other parts of your body.
  
  
• Remove items on your body near the bite to prevent problems if swelling happens. This includes tight-fitting clothing and jewelry items such as rings, watches, and arm and ankle bracelets.
  
  
• Keep the bitten area below the level of your heart. If the bite is on your arm or leg, immobilize the limb with a splint if possible.
  
  
• See a caregiver right away. Do not wait until you have symptoms before seeing a caregiver.
  
  
• Things you should not do:
  
  
  • Do not cut into the wound, or apply suction to try and remove the venom.
    
    
  • Do not use tourniquets, or apply heat, cold, or electric shock to the bite area.

Preventing a snake bite:

• Dress to protect yourself: Wear footwear and clothing to protect your feet and legs, such as shoes or boots, and long pants.
  
  
• Learn what poisonous snakes look like: Learn to recognize venomous snakes, especially if you spend much time outdoors. Learn to distinguish between similar-looking poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, such as coral snakes versus king snakes.
  
  
• Learn where snakes may be found: Know what snakes may be found where you are and where they may hide. Rattlesnakes rest in cool, shaded area during hot weather. Know when snakes are likely to be active and to come out. Stay away from places where snakes live. Do not put your hands or fingers into holes or places you cannot see.
  
  
• Leave snakes alone: Do not try to catch, frighten, or attack a snake if you find one. If you see a snake, back away from it and do not try to touch it. Do not pick up a snake that appears to be dead. Even dead snakes can still deliver venom through their fangs.
  
  
• Watch out for snakes: Use a flashlight or lamp when walking outside at night. Do not walk on areas where you cannot see the ground.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your wound gets larger or becomes more red and has pus.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your injury, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel dizzy, have a fever, start throwing up, or sweat more than usual.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing, or your skin is red, swollen, or more painful.
  
  
• You have joint pains, problems moving the injured part, or get tender lumps in your groin or armpits.
  
  
• You have numbness (no feeling) or tingling in the area of the bite.
  
  
• You have tightness in your throat, wheezing when breathing, swollen tongue, or rashes over your body.
  
  
• You start passing dark urine or less urine than is usual for you.
  
  
• Your wound does not stop bleeding, or have bleeding through your nose or other parts of your body.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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