What if you get bitten by a snake? (Snake Bite) Don't panic and know these things for sure!

When we hear the word snake, we all get a little scared, don't we? Imagine how shocked you would be if you were walking in the woods or doing some gardening and suddenly saw a snake. So what if that snake bit you? It's really scary to think about. But there's no point in being scared, because if something like that happens, the most important thing is to know exactly what to do and what not to do.

What is a snakebite and why can it be dangerous?

Simply put, a snake bite is when a snake uses its fangs to pierce your skin, causing a wound. Snakes are a type of reptile that crawls without legs. They bite to hunt and to defend themselves. While some snake bites are only minor, others can be life-threatening.

If you see a snake when you least expect it, it is normal to feel very scared and startled. Your heart rate may increase and you may even scream. This fear can be further increased by the severity of a snake bite. Therefore, a snake bite can cause psychological trauma in addition to physical injury.

Are all snakes poisonous?

No, not all snakes are poisonous. Venom is a poisonous substance that a snake produces inside its body. It helps it catch prey, defend itself, and digest its food. When a venomous snake bites, the venom is injected into the body through its fangs.

The types of venom in different snake species are different. Also, the way that venom affects our bodies is different. Here are the main types of venom that can cause these effects:

• Cytotoxins: These cause swelling and tissue damage at the site of the bite.
• Haemorrhagins: These affect your blood vessels and cause bleeding.
• Anti-clotting agents: These stop blood from clotting, meaning even a small injury can cause significant bleeding.
• Neurotoxins: These can damage the nervous system and cause conditions such as paralysis.
• Myotoxins: These cause your muscles to break down.

What is the difference between "Poison" and "Venom"?

Although this may seem a bit complicated, it is simple to understand.

A poison is something that can be absorbed into the body if we inhale it, absorb it through our skin, or swallow it.

Venom is a poisonous substance that is injected into the body.

To put it more simply:

If you eat (chew) something and get symptoms, it is poisonous .

If you get symptoms after being bitten by something, it is venomous .

For example, if a snake bites you, it contains venom. However, there are some types of toads that, if you eat them or put them in your mouth, the poison in their skin can be absorbed into your body and make you sick. That's what is called Poisonous.

Are snake bites really dangerous?

Yes, snake bites can be dangerous. But not all bites are the same.

• Dry bites: These are cases where the snake bites but does not inject venom into the body. Most often, these bites are caused by non-venomous snakes. However, some venomous snakes can sometimes bite without injecting venom.
• Venomous bites: These are the most dangerous and potentially life-threatening bites. Here, the snake injects venom into the body when it bites.

When a venomous snake bites, it injects venom voluntarily. It can also control how much venom it injects in a single bite. Studies suggest that venom is injected in between 50% and 70% of venomous snake bites.

Therefore, unless you are 100% sure that the snake that bit you is non-venomous, you should treat every snake bite as a medical emergency. Every second that passes without seeking treatment for a venomous snake bite puts your life at risk. It can lead to serious injury and, unfortunately, even death.

What are the poisonous snakes found in Sri Lanka?

There are many species of venomous snakes around the world. There are two main groups of venomous snakes:

• Snakes of the family Elapidae (Elapids - family of snakes): This group includes about 300 species, such as snakes, garter snakes, and sea snakes. They have short, venomous fangs on the front of their upper jaw. They bite by thrusting downwards and then biting. Their venom is mainly neurotoxic. However, it can also damage body tissues and blood cells. For example, if a snake bites you, it can cause paralysis of the heart and lungs, which can lead to rapid death.
• Viperidae (Vipers): This family includes more than 200 species of vipers, including vipers, pit vipers, and cobras. They have long, hollow, venomous fangs. These fangs are attached to movable bones in the upper jaw. When not in use, they are retracted into their mouths.

Important: If you are bitten by a snake, it can be difficult to identify exactly which snake it is because they bite and move very quickly. Therefore, it is wise to seek immediate medical attention for all snake bites.

What are the symptoms of a snakebite?

Symptoms vary depending on the type of snake that bit you.

In the case of a non-venomous snake bite:

• Slight swelling.
• A change in skin color (becoming red or darker than your skin tone).
• A little blood coming from the bite site.

Symptoms of a venomous snake bite:

• Rough lines are visible on the skin.
• You may feel intense pain (like a sting, burning, or stinging) at the site of the bite or throughout the affected area. However, some venomous snake bites may be painless.
• Skin color changes.
• Sweating and/or salivation.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Headache , dizziness , and blurred vision.
• Feeling a metallic taste in the mouth.

Severe symptoms of a venomous snake bite:

• Bleeding that does not stop (blood clotting abnormalities).
• Decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and weakened pulse.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Muscle weakness or twitching and numbness in the face and/or limbs.
• Severe swelling.

A venomous snake bite is a medical emergency! If you have any of these symptoms after being bitten by a snake, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. Or call 1990.

Can a snake bite cause an allergy?

Yes, some people can have a severe allergic reaction to a snake bite, called anaphylactic shock . The symptoms are very similar to those of a venomous snake bite. In addition, you may experience symptoms specific to an allergy, such as:

• Throat tightness, tongue swelling, and difficulty speaking.
• Skin flushing.
• Frequent coughing and/or wheezing.

Can a snake bite more than once?

Yes, a snake can bite more than once if it is trying to defend itself. If a venomous snake bites you multiple times, each bite can inject more venom into your body. This can make your symptoms worse and reduce the time it takes to get treatment.

Who is more at risk for a snakebite?

Your risk of being bitten by a snake may increase if you:

• If you work outdoors (e.g., farmers, plantation workers).
• If you live in an area with a hot, dry or tropical climate (like Sri Lanka).
• If you are a snake catcher or handler.
• If you live in a rural area.

What are the possible complications of a snake bite?

A snake bite can cause complications such as:

• The wound is swollen, painful, discolored, and oozing pus or fluid (infection).
• Blackening and death of the skin around the wound (necrosis) .
• Your immune system reacts badly to an infection (Sepsis) .
• Septic shock is a condition in which blood pressure drops significantly due to an infection and organ failure occurs.
• Rash, difficulty breathing and/or severe swelling (allergic reaction).
• Death.

The risk of these complications is particularly high in areas where proper medical facilities and treatment are difficult to access quickly. Long-term pain and swelling at the site of the bite are also common.

How is a snake bite diagnosed?

A doctor will diagnose a snakebite by examining your symptoms. The first clue is the presence of snakebite marks on your skin. Blood tests can also determine whether there is venom in your body. This can help determine treatment.

If you see a snake bite, it is very important to remember the snake's special markings, such as its color and spots, and tell the doctor.

How to treat a snake bite?

Treatment for a non-venomous snake bite:

The treatment for a non-venomous snake bite is to properly care for the wound. That means:

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
• Covering the wound with a clean bandage.
• Monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as swelling, pus, or increased pain. If you notice any of these, notify a doctor immediately.

Treatment for a venomous snake bite:

The main treatment for a venomous snake bite is antivenom (Antivenin) . Antivenom is a special type of antibody that neutralizes the effects of snake venom in your body. It can be given as an injection or through a saline solution (IV) in a vein in your arm. It starts working quickly.

Knowing the size, color, and shape of the snake can help your doctor choose the best type of antivenom for you. Some antivenoms are specific to a specific species of snake (monospecific antivenoms), while others are specific to several species of snake found in a given geographic area (polyspecific antivenoms).

If the bite has caused a large amount of blood loss, a blood transfusion may be necessary. If blood pressure is very low, saline (IV fluids) may also be given.

Since the antidote can cause some side effects, you may need to be hospitalized and monitored.

First Aid for a Snake Bite - This is very important!

As I said before, every snake bite should be treated as a medical emergency. Some snakes are venomous, and bites can be life-threatening. Call 911 immediately, or go to the nearest hospital. It can be dangerous to drive yourself to the emergency room, as your symptoms may make it difficult for you to drive properly.

After asking for help, follow these steps:

• Stay calm. Don't panic, let people nearby know that there is a snake and that you have been bitten.
• Sit or lie down in a safe place away from the snake. Try to keep the bitten arm/leg below the level of the heart.
• Remove any rings, bracelets, or watches you are wearing, as these can get stuck if the swelling increases.
• Gently wash the bite area with soap and water. Do not rub vigorously.
• Cover the wound with a clean, dry bandage or piece of cloth.
• Take note of any changes over time, such as swelling at the bite site and changes in skin color.

Once emergency services arrive, they will quickly begin administering antivenom to reduce the effects of the snake venom.

Never do these things when treating a snakebite:

Sometimes people get scared when they get bitten by a snake. But don't get so scared that you do these things:

• Don't wait for symptoms to appear to ask for help.
• Do not chase, grab, or restrain the snake. This increases your risk of being bitten again. Even if the snake is dead, it can still release venom.
• Do not put a tourniquet over the wound. This means tying it tightly to stop the flow of blood.
• Do not cut the wound.
• Do not try to remove the poison by sucking it out.
• Do not put ice on the wound or soak it in water.
• Don't drink alcohol.
• Do not drink caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee, cola).
• Do not take any painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin) without medical advice. Some painkillers can increase bleeding.

Are there any side effects from the treatment?

One possible side effect of the antivenom is serum sickness disease . This can occur between 4 and 10 days after the antivenom is given. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Skin damage.
• Itching.
• Joint pain.
• Fever.
• Swollen lymph nodes.

How long does it take to recover after treatment?

The time it takes to fully recover depends on the type of snake that bit you and the amount of venom. It can usually take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Some people may take longer to recover than others.

In most cases, you will need to stay in the hospital for at least a day. This is where doctors can monitor your blood pressure and overall health. After that, you can go home and recover.

Can snake bites be prevented?

If you live, work, or vacation in an area where snakes are common, it can be difficult to avoid snake bites. However, you can protect yourself from snake bites by following these steps:

• Be careful where you put your hands and feet. Don't reach into unknown holes, dark places, or under furniture without first checking to see if a snake is hiding there.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Do not lie down or sit in areas where snakes may be present.
• Wear boots and long pants when walking or working in dense vegetation.
• Do not attempt to catch, handle, or raise snakes.
• If you encounter a snake, slowly move away from it, do not try to touch it.

What is the outlook for a snakebite?

Your condition after a snakebite depends on the type of snake that bit you and the amount of venom that entered your body. The sooner you receive treatment with antivenom, the better your chances of recovery. Venomous snakebites can be life-threatening or even fatal if left untreated or treated too late.

When should I go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

If you are bitten by a snake, call 911 immediately or go to the emergency room of your nearest hospital. Unless you are absolutely sure that the snake that bit you is not venomous, treat all snake bites as a medical emergency. Do not try to drive yourself after a snake bite. Either wait for help to arrive, or have someone drive you to the hospital.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

You can ask the doctor questions like these:

• Was the snake that bit me poisonous?
• Do I need to stay in the hospital after a snakebite?
• Can I take painkillers after a snakebite?
• What side effects should I watch out for?
• When will I get better?

It can be difficult to stay calm when you encounter a snake, especially if it bites you. The fear of these reptiles is due to their dangerous nature. Although there are about 3,000 species of snakes in the world, only 15% of them are venomous. Because a snake bites so quickly, you may not be able to tell whether it is venomous or non-venomous. Even if your heart rate is racing, take a deep breath and call emergency services immediately after a snake bite. It is a safe precaution. Your fear can mask the pain of the bite, making the bite seem less serious than it actually is. Getting prompt treatment can help prevent life-threatening complications.

Summary and Take-Home Message

So, although a snake bite is a scary thing, if we are properly informed about it, we can cope with the situation well.

The most important thing is not to panic if you are bitten by a snake, but to seek medical attention immediately. Unless you are 100% sure that the snake that bit you is non-venomous, always assume that it is a venomous bite.

Remember, there are things you should do and things you shouldn't do . Things like cutting the wound, sucking on the venom, and pressing it tightly can make the situation worse. So, don't panic, stay calm, and go to a hospital immediately. Quick treatment can save your life. Be careful!

` Snake bite, snake venom, first aid, antidote, snakes, venomous snakes, safety