SNAKE BITES
There are several indicators that can help determine whether a bite is from a poisonous or nonpoisonous snake. The importance of identifying the species, if possible, has been stressed. In a pit viper bite (99 percent of poisonous snakebites known in America are attributable to this family), there is immediate pain, sharp and burning, at the site. Swelling begins at the site within five minutes and usually progresses gradually, continuing for several hours or up to a day and a half. Sometimes however, an entire limb becomes swollen very rapidly.
Many snakebites are dry runs, that is-the snake fails to inject any venom into the tissue. Many more result in minimal envenomation and mild to moderate bites. Envenomation is significant in only about 15 percent of the bites. If there is little or no swelling and no symptoms after a half hour, significant envenomation is very unlikely.
Numbness and tingling of the scalp, face, mouth or lips is frequent and twitching of the muscles around the eyes and mouth is sometimes observed. The victim may be sweating and complaining of faintness and nausea. In severe cases there may be bleeding from the lungs, stomach, intestines, or kidneys, difficulty breathing, and shock.
As a rule, the more rapidly symptoms develop, the more severe the bite is likely to be. Parrish has classified pit viper into four clinical grades, depending on the quantity of venenation, degree of pain, amount of surrounding swelling and redness, and the degree of systemic involvement. Such grading of bites is valuable in determining the proper dosage of antivenin.
Lawrence Klauber has listed the major factors which influence the severity of the bite and the likelihood of a fatal outcome:
1. Age, size, sex, vigor and health of the victim.
2. Allergy complex; susceptibility to protein poisoning. (Allergic reactions to snake venom are possible, particularly in those unfortunate enough to have been bitten before.)
3. Emotional condition and nature of victim. Panic or hysteria on the part of the victim or his comrades could be quite harmful. (Stress can double the toxicity of Rattlesnake venom.)
4. Site of the bite. Ninety-eight percent of bites are on the hands or feet, fortunately.
5. Nature of the bite. Was it a full, direct stroke, as opposed to a glancing blow or scratch?
6. Protection afforded by clothing.
7. Number of bites. Occasionally more than one is involved.
8. Length of time the snake holds on. Most pit vipers strike and release immediately.
9. Extent of the anger or fear of the snake. If the snake is injured or fighting for its life, it may well release more venom.
10. Species and size of the snake.
11. Age of the snake. Very old and very young snakes may be less virulent in proportion to size.
12. Condition of the venom glands. Are they full or partially depleted?
13. Condition of the fangs.
14. Presence of various germs in the snake's mouth.
15. Nature and rapidity of first aid and eventual treatment given.
Many snakebites are dry runs, that is-the snake fails to inject any venom into the tissue. Many more result in minimal envenomation and mild to moderate bites. Envenomation is significant in only about 15 percent of the bites. If there is little or no swelling and no symptoms after a half hour, significant envenomation is very unlikely.
Numbness and tingling of the scalp, face, mouth or lips is frequent and twitching of the muscles around the eyes and mouth is sometimes observed. The victim may be sweating and complaining of faintness and nausea. In severe cases there may be bleeding from the lungs, stomach, intestines, or kidneys, difficulty breathing, and shock.
As a rule, the more rapidly symptoms develop, the more severe the bite is likely to be. Parrish has classified pit viper into four clinical grades, depending on the quantity of venenation, degree of pain, amount of surrounding swelling and redness, and the degree of systemic involvement. Such grading of bites is valuable in determining the proper dosage of antivenin.
Lawrence Klauber has listed the major factors which influence the severity of the bite and the likelihood of a fatal outcome:
1. Age, size, sex, vigor and health of the victim.
2. Allergy complex; susceptibility to protein poisoning. (Allergic reactions to snake venom are possible, particularly in those unfortunate enough to have been bitten before.)
3. Emotional condition and nature of victim. Panic or hysteria on the part of the victim or his comrades could be quite harmful. (Stress can double the toxicity of Rattlesnake venom.)
4. Site of the bite. Ninety-eight percent of bites are on the hands or feet, fortunately.
5. Nature of the bite. Was it a full, direct stroke, as opposed to a glancing blow or scratch?
6. Protection afforded by clothing.
7. Number of bites. Occasionally more than one is involved.
8. Length of time the snake holds on. Most pit vipers strike and release immediately.
9. Extent of the anger or fear of the snake. If the snake is injured or fighting for its life, it may well release more venom.
10. Species and size of the snake.
11. Age of the snake. Very old and very young snakes may be less virulent in proportion to size.
12. Condition of the venom glands. Are they full or partially depleted?
13. Condition of the fangs.
14. Presence of various germs in the snake's mouth.
15. Nature and rapidity of first aid and eventual treatment given.
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