﻿ Snake Bite (Snake Bite) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What are the complications of a venomous snake bite? - MedicineNet

Snake Bite (cont.)

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What are the complications of a venomous snake bite?

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The complications of venomous snake bites can range from mild to severe. Complications include pain and swelling at the bite site, vision damage (from sprays especially), compartment syndrome (localized severe swelling that can damage or destroy nerves and blood vessels, leading to muscle necrosis), infection, limb loss, gangrene, sepsis, internal bleeding, cardiac damage, respiratory compromise, and even death.

Can a snake bite be prevented?

Many snake bites can be prevented as most snakes are not aggressive toward humans unless they sense danger. Consequently, avoidance of snakes usually prevents a bite, so people should not try to handle, capture or threaten (for example, tease with a stick) any snake. Statistical studies suggest that about 40% of all snake bites in the US occur in people that consumed alcohol drinks. If a person's workplace involves areas known to be a habitat of snakes, wearing protective boots, thick pants, and wearing gloves may reduce the chances of a snake bite; or at least it may reduce the bite trauma and the amount of venom distributed.

What is the prognosis for a venomous snake bite?

Most snake bites, when quickly and appropriately treated, have a good prognosis. If left untreated for various increasing lengths of time the prognosis usually diminishes while the complications increase. Deaths are unlikely as fewer than 10 deaths per year are due to snakebites in the US.



CDC.gov. Venomous Snakes.

UpToDate.com. Principles of snake bite management worldwide.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 6/30/2015

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