Snake Venom
Out of the 2950 known snake species in the world, only 450 are venomous, which is about fifteen percent of the total population. Number of deaths caused by snake bites is remarkably less. Yet the very sight of this reptile is enough to make shivers run down the spine. Most snakes are not poisonous and even those that are; only 250 of them have the capability to kill humans, contrary to our belief.
The highly modified saliva produced by the special glands of snakes is referred to as snake venom. Zootoxin, a special secretion of the gland, is a modification of the parotid salivary gland. It is provided with large alveolus which contains the venom, before being ejected through the fang. Snake venom is a mixture of proteins and enzymes. Proteins constitute ninety percent of the venom whereas the rest comprises enzymes. Most of these enzymes are harmless and therefore not dangerous when ingested. Snake venom can be divided into a number of categories. The most intriguing ones are as follows:-
· Neurotoxic venoms
These venoms affect the central nervous system and the brain, often resulting in heart failures and respiratory paralysis. The effect ranges from mild seizures to death. Since neurotoxic venoms destroy the nervous system, the victim suffers from swallowing and speech problems. The milder symptoms comprise blurred vision, dizziness and increased sweating. Snakes like king cobra, sea snakes, kraits and coral snakes are the carriers of this venom.
Treatment
Keep victim calm and ask him or her not to move. The victim should either sit or lie down.
Cover the bite area with clean dressing and apply a pressure bandage from the beginning of the limb reaching up to the bite area.
Mouth to mouth respiration may be required to keep the victim alive
Finally, rush the victim to the hospital immediately.
· Hemotoxic Venoms
These venoms attack the cardiovascular system leading to heart failures. This venom also causes the blood to clot to a large extent. Sometimes heavy internal bleeding leads to the victim’s death. Lack of pain and late appearance of symptoms make these venoms deadlier. The victim goes beyond medical help at times. Nausea, vomiting, lethargy and headaches are some of the effects of hemotoxic venom. Worst cases can lead to amputation of the affected limb. The western diamondback rattlesnake carries this deadly poison.
Treatment
Do not move the victim. He or she should be either made to sit or lie down.
Elevate the limb if possible.
Ensure there is enough air circulation.
Monitoring of respiration and heart rate is essential.
Do not move the victim. He or she should be either made to sit straight or lie down.
· Cytotoxic Venoms
A milder one in nature, cytotoxic venoms cause localized symptoms. Also a cell destroying venom, it destroys everything on its path including blood vessels, cells and tissues. The results of this venom vary from localized pain accompanied by bleeding and severe swelling. Red blisters form near the bite area. This venom also causes blue/black spotting due to partial blood circulation.
Puff adders contain this lethal venom.
Treatment
Victim should remain immobile.
Do not cut the bite area as this may lead to infections.
Take off the pressure bandage every 10 -15 minutes and reapply.
· Myotoxic Venoms
This venom causes muscular necrosis. The symptoms comprise thirst, dry throat, thickened tongue sensation, convulsions and muscular spasms. It also causes the jaw, neck and limbs to stiffen. Movement becomes immensely painful. Starting with drooping eyelids, the victim can suffer loss of breath. Peptides present in the myotoxic venom destroy the muscles. In worst cases myotoxic venoms can lead to kidney failure. Bothrops moojeni snakes, commonly known as Brazilian lancehead snakes, carry this deadly venom.
Treatment
Victim should remain static.
Raise the victim’s limb if possible
Avoid cutting the bite area.
Take the victim to the hospital at the earliest.
If proper medical treatment is provided in time, snake venom attack is curable. It is also advisable that on is aware of the simple first aid measures against snake bite.