Snakebite
Indian subcontinent has 270 species of snakes. Out of this only 60 are venomous. The majority of snakes in India are non-venomous.These snakes are not dangerous to humans.
If you are bitten by a snake, call for help, or go to the nearest hospital. Wash the bite area with soap and water and cover with a clean bandage. While you are awaiting medical attention, sit down and stay calm, because accelerating your heart rate can spread the venom. Try to remember the color and markings of the snake or take a photograph for identification. Do not attempt to capture the snake.
Forget what you may have heard. Here are the “dos” and “don’ts” after a snake bite.
- Do go immediately to the nearest hospital.
- Do not kill or capture the snake, as this may result in another bite.
- Do not apply a tourniquet.
- Do not apply ice.
- Do not cut the bite open with a knife.
- Do not suck the venom out.
- Do not drink alcohol after the snake bite.
Russels viper venom is well-known for its toxicity, especially to blood vessels and soft
tissues. This causes intense pain, redness, swelling, bruising and blistering in the area
within a few minutes after the bite. The toxin can also result in life-threatening
abnormalities in heart, lung, kidney, blood clotting and nervous system function.
Common krait snake venom is also very toxic, especially to the nervous system. Neurologic
symptoms after a common krait snake bite can be delayed, so seek medical attention promptly,
even if you feel fine at first.
In the emergency room, doctors should assess vital signs including respiratory rate, heart rate and blood pressure for several hours and evaluate for “envenomation syndrome.
Blood tests are usually obtained to evaluate electrolytes, red blood cell count, platelet count, kidney function and blood clotting factors. If the patient shows signs of instability, he or she is transferred to a critical care unit for resuscitation and treatment. Additionally, if there are signs of a serious toxic response from a russel viper bite, antivenom medicine can be given intravenously, which can reduce the severity of complications.
In the hospital, the bite wounds should be cleaned, tetanus prophylaxis should be updated, and the hand and arm should be monitored for swelling and blood flow. If swelling in the hand or arm is severe, surgery may occasionally be necessary to decompress muscle compartments to prevent further damage to the limb. Once the patient is stabilized medically, wound care, hand therapy and rehabilitation are important to regain function of the hand and arm.