Snakebite – Treatment and Prevention
There are four types of poisonous snakes in the United States: copperheads, coral snakes, cottonmouths (or water moccasins), and rattlesnakes. Approximately 7,000 Americans are bitten by snakes each year, most commonly in the summer months, in grassy or rocky environments. The toxicity of snake venom, which varies from species to species, can kill local tissue and release toxins into the body that can cause serious problems with blood pressure, heart rate, and pain.
Causes of snakebite
Poisonous snake bites include bites by any of the following:
rattlesnake copperhead cottonmouth (water moccasin) coral snake All snake species 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 of snakebite
A person who has been bitten by a poisonous snake may exhibit mild to severe symptoms, which can include swelling or discoloration of the skin in the area of the bite, a racing pulse, weakness, shortness of breath, nausea, fever and vomiting. In extreme cases, pain and swelling can be severe, the pupils may dilate, and shock and convulsion may occur. The person may twitch and his or her speech may become slurred. In the most severe cases, paralysis, unconsciousness, and death can result.
It is worth emphasizing that the majority of snakes are not poisonous. Nevertheless, anyone who has been bitten by a snake should be seen by a professional immediately, because the severity of initial symptoms does not always reflect the seriousness of the bite.
» Read more: Home Remedies for SNAKE BITES
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