The snake bites of venomous species can cause significant symptoms. In some cases of non-poisonous snake bites, it can be easily managed. Nevertheless, the bites must be carefully treated to prevent any complications.
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When it comes to snake bites, there are indications that you should be aware of. These signs and symptoms can be categorized into a several main groups.
Localized effects of snake bites
These are the effects on the bite site and adjacent skin. Bites from vipers and some cobras can be tender and painful. The sites are intensely swollen and can bleed and blister. Some cobras have venom that can destroy the tissue around the site of the bite.
Bleeding
The snake bites from vipers and some Australian elapids can trigger alterations in the hematologic system of the individual, thus resulting to bleeding. The bleeding can be localized or diffused.
The internal organs might be involved. The individual might bleed from the bite site or in a spontaneous manner from the mouth or previous wounds. Uncontrolled bleeding can result to shock or even death.
Nervous system effects
The effect on the nervous system can be experienced locally at the bite site or affect the nervous system directly. The venom from sea snakes and elapids can directly affect the nervous system.
Venom from cobra and mamba can act rapidly by stopping the breathing muscles which results to death if not treated. Initially, the individual will have visual and speaking issues, difficulty breathing and numbness close to or away from the bite site.
Muscle death
The venom from sea snakes, Russell’s vipers and some Australian elapids can cause muscle death directly in several parts of the body. There might be a localized effect of necrosis or distant muscle involvement.
The debris from the dead muscle cells can obstruct the kidneys which attempt to filter out the proteins. This can lead to kidney failure.
Eyes
The spitting cobras can eject the venom accurately into the eyes of the victims. This results to direct eye pain and impairment.
Indications of other snake species
- Spitting cobra – these snakes can cause significant swelling and tissue damage
- Timber rattlesnake– the pit vipers can cause leakage of the blood cells from the blood vessels, even on body parts away from the bite site. There is also evident bruising of the upper forearm and arm.
- Copperhead – these snake bites typically result to localized pain and swelling but there is less tissue loss.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on snake bites is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage snake bites, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Vancouver, Kelowna, Surrey, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.