Snake bites - Overview
Alternative Names
Bites - snakes
Definition of Snake bites:
Snake bites occur when a snake bites the skin, and are medical emergencies if the snake is poisonous.
Considerations:
Snake
bites can be deadly if not treated quickly. Children are at higher risk
for death or serious complications due to snake bites because of their
smaller body size.
The
right antivenom can save a person's life. Getting to an emergency room
as quickly as possible is very important. If properly treated, many
snake bites will not have serious effects.
Causes:
Poisonous snake bites include bites by any of the following:
- Cobra
- Copperhead
- Coral snake
- Cottonmouth (water moccasin)
- Rattlesnake
- Various snakes found at zoos
All
snakes will bite when threatened or surprised, but most will usually
avoid people if possible and only bite as a last resort.
Snakes
found in and near water are often mistaken as being poisonous. Most
species of snake are harmless and many bites are not life-threatening,
but unless you are absolutely sure that you know the species, treat it
seriously.
