Envenomation – Snake Bite Snake bites are a medical emergency that can cause serious illness or even death if not treated promptly.
Envenomation occurs when a venomous snake injects toxic substances into the body through its fangs. Snake venom contains a mixture of proteins and enzymes that can damage tissues, disrupt blood clotting, paralyze muscles, and affect vital organs. Common symptoms of envenomation include pain and swelling at the bite site, redness or bruising, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, shock or unconsciousness. Immediate first aid is crucial. Victims should remain calm, limit movement to slow the spread of venom, and seek urgent medical care. Applying a pressure immobilization bandage (for certain snake species) and keeping the bite area below heart level can help reduce venom circulation. Traditional remedies, cutting the wound, or attempting to suck out venom should be avoided, as these can worsen the injury.