Snake Bites

What is Snake Bites?

Snakes bite for self-defence or to catch prey. Most humans are bit by snakes in a case of self-defence or when they wander in dangerous snake-prone areas carelessly. Different types of snakes results in different kinds of venom and different kinds of snake bites.

Types of snake bites and venom

Snake bites are dangerous, but not every snake bite is equal. They are of basically two types:

  • Dry bites: These are bites when the snake doesn’t release venom with the bite. These are mostly in case of non-venomous snakes.
  • Venomous bites: Obviously, the more dangerous type of snake bites. It is when the snake releases venom with its bite.

Different snake species release different types of venom, such as:

  • Cytotoxins: leads to swelling and tissue damage in the affected area.
  • Myotoxins: breaks muscles
  • Haemorrhagins: damages the blood vessels

Neurotoxins: causes damage to your nervous system or leads to paralysis

Symptoms of Snake Bites

 To determine if it’s a snake bite, you must know about the leading signs and symptoms like:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Two puncture wounds
  • Pain at the site of the bite
  • Swelling and redness around the affected area
  • Blurred vision
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Numbness in the limbs and face
  • Salivating and sweating

Note: Some venomous snakes cause specific symptoms based on their type. However, the most common ones are mentioned above.

When to see a doctor

As soon as you identify a snake bite, reach out for emergency medical assistance. Do not rely on quick first aid myths like sucking the blood from your mouth or tying the bite site. Going to an experienced medical professional will ensure proper diagnosis and on-time treatment based on the type and severity of the snake bite.

There are cases of venomous bites that are not fatal. The severity of snake bites depends on the area of the bite, age of the victim, and their health conditions. A tetanus vaccine works fine for cases of non-venomous or not so severe bites.

In life-threatening cases of snake bites, an antivenom is used instantly. The sooner it is used, the better is the effectiveness. Give a call to Dr M. V. Rao’s team as soon as you encounter a snake bite. We ensure the most suitable treatment option.

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Yashoda Hospitals Somajiguda
Rajbhavan Road, Somajiguda, Matha Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana.
500082

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Mallela Clinic, Street No 4, Vijay Nagar Colony, Hyderabad, Telangana.
500057

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M: drmvraomallela@gmail.com

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