Venomous snake bites can cause a wide range of severe effects, impacting nearly every organ system in the human body. The severity of the symptoms depends on the type of snake, the amount of venom injected, the bite location, and the person's overall health, with children often experiencing more severe effects due to their smaller body mass.
Here are some of the common effects of a venomous snake bite:
Local Effects at the Bite Site:
* Puncture wounds: Often two distinct fang marks, though sometimes only scratches are visible.
* Pain: Can range from minor to severe, throbbing, or burning, and may not appear immediately.
* Swelling: Rapid swelling is common and can spread to the entire limb.
* Discoloration: Redness, bruising, or blood blisters may appear.
* Bleeding: Bleeding from the bite site is possible, and internal bleeding can also occur.
* Tissue damage: Venom can cause tissue destruction (necrosis), leading to blistering and potential limb amputation in severe cases.
* Enlarged lymph nodes: Lymph nodes in the affected area may swell.
Systemic Effects (affecting the entire body):
* Bleeding disorders: Venom can interfere with blood clotting, leading to excessive bleeding and even fatal hemorrhage.
* Neurological effects:
* Paralysis: Severe paralysis can prevent breathing.
* Numbness and tingling: Especially around the mouth, tongue, scalp, feet, or the bite area.
* Blurred vision/double vision:
* Dizziness and fainting:
* Headache:
* Muscle weakness or twitching:
* Difficulty swallowing or slurred speech:
* Convulsions/seizures:
* Altered mental state: Confusion or drowsiness.
* Cardiovascular effects:
* Low blood pressure:
* Rapid or irregular heartbeat:
* Shock:
* Gastrointestinal effects:
* Nausea and vomiting:
* Abdominal pain/diarrhea:
* Renal effects: Irreversible kidney failure can occur.
* Respiratory effects: Difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to respiratory failure.
* Other general symptoms:
* Sweating and drooling:
* Fever and chills:
* Metallic, rubbery, or minty taste in the mouth:
* Increased thirst:
* Lethargy and weakness:
It's important to note that even bites from non-venomous snakes can cause local pain, redness, and infection. All snake bites should be treated as potentially life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.