Snakebite envenomation
A snakebite is an injury caused by the bite of a snake, especially a venomous snake. A common sign of a bite from a venomous snake is the presence of two puncture wounds from the animal's fangs. Sometimes venom injection from the bite may occur. This may result in redness, swelling, and severe pain at the area, which may take up to an hour to appear. Vomiting, blurred vision, tingling of the limbs, and sweating may result. Most bites are on the hands, arms, or legs. Fear following a bite is common with symptoms of a racing heart and feeling faint. The venom may cause bleeding, kidney failure, a severe allergic reaction, death around the bite, or breathing problems. Bites may result in the loss of a limb or other problems or even death.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Two puncture wounds, redness, swelling, severe pain at the area
Causes — why it happens
- ·Snakes
Prevention
- ·Protective footwear, avoiding areas where snakes live, not handling snakes
Treatment
- ·Washing the wound with soap and water, antivenom
Complications
- ·Bleeding, kidney failure, severe allergic reaction, death around the bite, breathing problems, amputation, envenomation
Outlook
- ·Depends on type of snake