A terrible thing, snake bite may strike in some nations at home or even in the wild. Many believe bite implies rapid death, yet reality is not straightforward. What occurs in body following a snake bite varies on the snake type, venom dosage, and how quickly you seek assistance.
Let’s go step by step what really happens when snake bites you. 👇
The Bite: What You Feel Initially
Snakebite quickly like flashes. Two pointed fangs on most snakes cut through skin to deliver venom (if venomous snake).
You might feel:
Sharp ache like bee sting but worse
Inflammation and redness around bite
Burning or heat sensitivity at that location
Maybe this is all you feel if the snake is not venomous. A venomous bite, meanwhile, can deteriorate extremely quickly. 😨
Venom is what?
Venom is potent poison containing poisons, enzymes, proteins. Usually: Various snakes have various venom types.
Neurotoxic venom assaults nerves (cobras, kraits).
Hemotoxic venom: vipers attack blood and organs.
-Cytotoxic venom (pit vipers, rattlesnakes): destroys skin and tissues.
Every venom damages the body in a disastrous manner. 🙄
Inside Body: Venom Adventure
Venom spreads swiftly once it gets into blood. Here what results based on kind of venom:
a. Neurotoxic venom (nerves)
Eyelids droop or sight blur 😵
Speech slur; challenging to breathe 😶🌫️
Muscles weakened or paralyzed
Worst: lungs cease functioning, stop breathing.
Without treatment, this venom can kill in few hours. 🧠❌
b. Hemotoxic poison (blood, organs)
- Gums, nose, bite wound hemorrhage
Internal bleeding (blood in vomit or urine)
Low blood pressure; organs fail.
injures kidneys, liver 🩸, destroys red blood cells
Feel weak, dizzy, even passing out.
c. Cytotoxic poison (skin, muscle)
Fast swelling near bite
poor discomfort, skin tone shift
Open wounds, bruises, blisters
Flesh rot in severe situations could call for amputation.
Though not killing rapidly, this poison has great damage.
Body fight back 💪
Though venom is extremely strong, the immune system acts swiftly to combat it. Sometimes body experience anaphylactic shock, an extreme allergic reaction:
Throat or facial swelling
Difficult to breathe
blood pressure reduction
This, too, can kill without assistance. 🚨
Medical Care: What Doctors Do 👩⚕️
Doctors strive if hospitals fast:
Stay still to slow the venom’s distribution.
Clean wound: Give antivenom (made from snake venom to stop poison)
Oxygen, intravenous fluids, medications for symptoms
Though it has to match snake venom type, antivenom is most crucial. Therefore, take a picture or describe snake if safe to assist in therapy.
How long until safe? ⏳
Many of them survive and heal in days or weeks with prompt attention; yet, should you wait long or get no care:
Organs can be permanently damaged.
Skin or muscles could die.
Surgery or amputation could be called for.
Delay increases death risk. According to WHO, snake bite kills more than 100,000 people annually, often in rural areas with little healthcare.
Prevention: Methods of Bite Avoidance 🛡️
Never attempt to touch or catch a snake.
In forest or field, put on trousers and shoes.
At night, while walking outside, use a flashlight.
If you see a snake, back away and remain calm.
Should bitten:Don’t panic.
Steer clear of ties and ice.
Get to the hospital swiftly.
Many snakes do not wish to damage you. They bite just when startled or afraid. Many snakes are not poisonous either. But venomous bites are quite deadly; every second counts. Knowing what transpires and how to respond may help to save your life.
Stay alert, appreciate nature; snakes not foe but venom extremely lethal. 🧠💀
Stay safe and sensible!
