When you are bitten by a venomous snake the first thing that you need to do is remain calm. It is important to keep the affected limb below the level of your heart to help slow the spread of the venom. Then you should call for medical help immediately and wait for professional medical assistance to arrive. In the meantime there are a few things that you can do to help lessen the effects of the venom.
Snake venom is composed of a variety of different toxins that can attack different systems in your body. The most common effects of snake venom are tissue damage bleeding and/or swelling. The venom can also affect your nerves causing paralysis and your blood causing it to clot or bleed abnormally. In some cases the venom can also cause kidney damage or failure.
When the venom enters your body it begins to break down the tissues and cells. This can cause the affected area to swell and bleed. In severe cases the venom can cause the tissue to die and necrosis to set in. The venom can also spread through your bloodstream and cause damage to other organs such as your heart lungs and kidneys.
There are a variety of different antivenoms that can be used to treat snake bites. The type of antivenom that you receive will depend on the type of snake that you were bitten by. Antivenom is produced by injecting small amounts of venom into animals such as horses or sheep. The animals create antibodies that can then be harvested and used to treat people who have been bitten by a venomous snake.
It is important to seek medical help immediately if you are bitten by a venomous snake. The sooner you receive treatment the less severe the effects of the venom will be.
What does snake venom do to human red blood cells?
Answer: It destroys them.
How does this affect the victim?
Answer: It causes a decrease in oxygen transportation and can eventually lead to death.
What are the symptoms of envenomation?
Answer: They include swelling bruising and discoloration at the site of the bite as well as nausea vomiting and dizziness.
What is the first aid for a snake bite?
Answer: Apply a firm pressure immobilization bandage as soon as possible.
What should you NOT do if you are bitten by a snake?
Answer: Do not wash the wound as this will only help spread the venom.
Why is it important to seek medical help immediately?
Answer: Snake venom is very dangerous and can quickly lead to death if not treated.
What are some of the long-term effects of a snake bite?
Answer: They can include loss of limb permanent nerve damage and scarring.
What are some of the factors that affect how dangerous a snake bite is?
Answer: They include the size of the snake the type of venom and the amount of venom injected.
What are some of the methods used to treat a snake bite?
Answer: They include antivenom which can neutralize the venom and surgery to remove the venom.
How can you prevent getting bitten by a snake?
Answer: Some measures include avoiding areas where snakes are known to live being careful when handling snakes and wearing protective clothing.
What should you do if you see a snake?
Answer: The best course of action is to leave it alone and give it a wide berth.
What should you do if you are bitten by a snake?
Answer: Seek medical help immediately and apply a firm pressure immobilization bandage.
What are some of the signs of an impending snake bite?
Answer: They include swelling bruising and discoloration at the site of the bite.
What are some of the symptoms of a snake bite?
Answer: They include nausea vomiting and dizziness.
What is the best course of action if you see a snake?
Answer: The best course of action is to leave it alone and give it a wide berth.
