You may not always know you were bitten by a snake, especially if you were bitten in water or tall grass. Two puncture marks at the wound may be signs of a snakebite. The pain may last for a few hours to several days, or it may go away on its own. If the pain is severe, call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help ease your pain. below)
- You may also need to see a doctor if: you have a fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- And/or a rash that spreads to your arms
- Legs
- Hands
- Feet
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Back
loss of appetite
shortness of breath trouble breathing or swallowing weakness or numbness on one side of your body
arms or legs. If you have any of these signs or symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Table of Contents
Does a snakebite hurt?
This can lead to swelling at the wound and eventually to a full-blown infection. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, the first thing you should do is get medical attention immediately. If you do not have immediate medical care, you may need to go to the emergency room for treatment.
Are snake bites painless?
Most snake bites can cause pain and swelling around the bite. Those that are venomous can cause a number of health problems. Due to fear, these symptoms can also occur. Some people may experience anaphylactic shock from bites.
How much painful is snake bite?
Minor pain and redness occur in over 90 percent of cases, although this varies depending on the site. The bites by vipers and some cobras can be very painful, with the local tissue sometimes becoming tender and swollen within five minutes. This area may have bleeding and blisters.
The most common cause of snakebite in the United States is a bite from a rattlesnake, which is responsible for the vast majority of reported snakebites. Other common causes include being bitten by a nonvenomous snake (such as a boa constrictor) or by an animal with a venomous bite, such as an opossum, raccoon, or skunk.
In addition, bites from other species of snakes, including the cottonmouth, are also common.
How do I know if I have a snake bite?
The symptoms of a snake bite include two puncture wounds, swelling and redness around the wounds, and pain at the site of the bite. If you think you may have been bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately.
Where do most snake bites occur on the body?
Most snakebites happen on the hands, feet and ankles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year, with 10 to 15 deaths.
Do snake bites tingle?
The area around the bite may tingle, and nearby muscles may become weak. Severe general weakness and muscle incoordination may follow. Double vision, blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness, increased saliva production, and speech problems are some of the symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Can you survive any snake bite?
A bite from a nonvenomous snake will probably leave punctures and scare you. Venomous snakebites can be fatal. If you want to stay calm, your best bet is to call the emergency number. If you can, get away from the snake and move your body so the bite is below your neck.
If you’re bitten by a snake, the first thing you need to do is get medical help. If you don’t have medical insurance, you may be able to pay for the cost of a doctor’s visit and a hospital stay.
What are the chances of surviving a snake bite?
The chances of dying from a venomous snakebite in the United States is nearly zero, because we have available, high-quality medical care in the U.S. Fewer than one in 37,500 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. each year (7-8,000 bites per year), and only one-third of those bites are fatal (9).
In fact, the risk of death from snakebites is so low that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people avoid all snake-related activities, including hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, and camping (10). However, people should always be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones. For more information, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.
Why can humans only be treated with antivenom once?
Antivenom cannot reverse the effects of venom once they’ve begun, but it can prevent it from getting worse. Antivenom can’t un- block a channel if it’s already been blocked. Antivenom can make it more difficult for your body to repair the damage caused by the venom.
If you feel a sharp pain in your arm or leg, or if you have a rash or other signs of an allergic reaction, you should seek medical attention immediately.
