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Snake bites

Definition

Each year in the United States, there are over 8,000 poisonous snakebites -- mostly in the summer season.

Poisonous snake bites are medical emergencies, and they can be deadly if not treated quickly.

Alternative Names

Bites - snakes

Considerations

Children are at higher risk for death or serious complications due to snake bites because of their smaller body size. However, the right antivenom can save a person's life. Getting the person to an emergency room as quickly as possible is very important. If properly treated, many snakebites will not have serious effects.

Causes

Poisonous snake bites include bites by any of the following:

  • Rattlesnake
  • Copperhead
  • Cottonmouth (water moccasin)
  • Coral snake
  • Cobras
  • Various snakes found at zoos
All snakes will bite when threatened or surprised, but most will usually avoid an encounter if possible and only bite as a last resort. Snakes found in and near water are frequently mistaken as being poisonous. Most species of snake are harmless and many bites will not be life-threatening, but unless you are absolutely sure that you know the species, treat it seriously.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of snake. General symptoms may include:

Rattlesnake bites are immediately painful. Symptoms usually begin immediately and may include:

Cottonmouth and copperhead bites are immediately painful. Symptoms, which usually begin immediately, may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Low blood pressure
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Pain at site of bite
  • Shock
  • Skin color changes
  • Swelling
  • Thirst
  • Tiredness
  • Tissue damage
  • Weakness
  • Weak pulse

Coral snake bites may be painless at first. Major symptoms may not develop for hours. DO NOT make the mistake of thinking you will be fine if the bite area looks good and you are not in a lot of pain. Untreated coral snake bites can be deadly. Symptoms may include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Convulsions
  • Drowsiness
  • Excessive salivation (mouth watering)
  • Eyelid drooping
  • Headache
  • Low blood pressure
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Numbness
  • Pain and swelling at site of bite
  • Paralysis
  • Shock
  • Slurred speech
  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Swelling of tongue and throat
  • Weakness
  • Skin color changes
  • Skin tissue damage
  • Stomach or abdominal pain
  • Weak pulse

First Aid

1. Keep the person calm, reassuring them that bites can be effectively treated in an emergency room. Restrict movement, and keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom.

2. If you have a pump suction device (such as that made by Sawyer), follow the manufacturer's directions.

3. Remove any rings or constricting items because the affected area may swell. Create a loose splint to help restrict movement of the area.

4. If the area of the bite begins to swell and change color, the snake was probably poisonous.

5. Monitor the person's vital signs -- temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure  -- if possible. If there are signs of shock (such as paleness), lay the person flat, raise the feet about a foot, and cover the person with a blanket.

6. Get medical help immediately.

7. Bring in the dead snake only if this can be done safely. Do not waste time hunting for the snake, and do not risk another bite if it is not easy to kill the snake. Be careful of the head when transporting it -- a snake can actually bite for up to an hour after it's dead (from a reflex).

DO NOT

  • DO NOT allow the person to become over-exerted. If necessary, carry the person to safety.
  • DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
  • DO NOT apply cold compresses to a snake bite.
  • DO NOT cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor.
  • DO NOT try to suction the venom by mouth.
  • DO NOT give the person stimulants or pain medications unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
  • DO NOT give the person anything by mouth.
  • DO NOT raise the site of the bite above the level of the person's heart.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for medical help if someone has been bitten by a snake. If possible, call ahead to the emergency room so that antivenom can be ready when the person arrives.

You may also call the National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). The center can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

Prevention

  • Even though most snakes are not poisonous, avoid picking up or playing with any snake unless you have been properly trained.
  • Many serious snakebites occur when someone deliberately provokes a snake.
  • When hiking in an area known to have snakes, wear long pants and boots if possible.
  • Avoid areas where snakes may be hiding such as under rocks and logs.
  • Tap ahead of you with a walking stick before entering an area with an obscured view of your feet. Snakes will attempt to avoid you if given adequate warning.
  • If you are a frequent hiker, consider purchasing a snakebite kit (available from hiking supply stores.) Do not use older snakebite kits, such as those containing razor blades and suction bulbs.
Review Date: 5/15/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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