Question

Explain the main types of snake poisoning (in addition of signs and symptoms of every type)

Answer 1

Explain the main types of snake poisoning (in addition of signs and symptoms of every type)

To identify a snake bite, consider the following general symptoms:

• two puncture wounds
• swelling and redness around the wounds
• pain at the bite site
• difficulty breathing
• vomiting and nausea
• blurred vision
• sweating and salivating
• numbness in the face and limbs

Some venomous snakes also cause symptoms specific to their type.

Rattle snakes

Rattle snakes are easily identifiable. They have rings at the end of their tails that shake when they feel threatened. This makes a rattling sound and is a warning for you to back away. Rattlesnakes are the largest of the venomous snakes and account for many of the venomous bites in the U.S. each year. These snakes can be found in nearly any habitat across the country. They like open areas where they can rest in the sun such as rocks, and logs.

Symptoms

Symptoms specific to rattlesnake bites are immediate and include:

• severe pain
• drooping eyelids
• low blood pressure
• thirst
• tiredness or muscle weakness

Water moccasins or cotton mouth

The water moccasin is another type of pit viper. This snake is also known as a cottonmouth, because the inside of its mouth is lined with a white, cottony material. The water moccasin’s average size is between 50 to 55 inches. Adults have dark tan to black skin with faint dark brown or black crossbands. Young snakes have brown or orange crossbands with a yellow tail. These snakes are found in the southeastern states, usually in or near water. They don’t scare easily, and will defend themselves should they feel threatened.

Symptoms

Water moccasin bites share symptoms with copperhead bites. Specific symptoms include:

• immediate pain and symptoms
• change in skin color
• shock
• low blood pressure
• weakness

Copperheads

Copperheads are reddish or gold in color with hourglass-shaped bands. This snake is typically 18 to 36 inches in length. Copperheads are mostly found in forests, swamps, rocky areas, and rivers in the eastern states (as far as Texas). They are not aggressive. Most copperhead bites occur if you accidentally step on or near one.

Symptoms

Copperhead snake bites share symptoms with water moccasin snake bites. Symptoms can include:

• immediate pain and symptoms
• change in skin color
• shock
• low blood pressure
• weakness

Coral Snakes

Coral snakes have black, yellow, and red banding and are often confused with non-venomous king snakes. You can distinguish a coral snake by the fact that the red bands touch the yellow bands. They live in the woods, marshes, and sandy areas of the South. Coral snakes typically hide underground and in leaf piles.

Symptoms

Symptoms specific to coral snake bites include:

• pain that is not immediate
• symptoms that set in hours after the bite
• convulsions
• drooping eyelids
• change in skin color
• stomach pain
• difficulty swallowing
• headache
• shock
• paralysis