Snakebite is a major public health problem in Bangladesh. The risk is particularly high in rural areas, agricultural lands and areas adjacent to wetlands. Panic after a snakebite, going to a witch doctor, cutting the wound, trying to suck out the venom, or tying the rope too tightly can make the patient’s condition more complicated. It is important to remember one thing in snakebite cases – not all snakes are venomous. Not all venomous snake bites cause the same symptoms. Therefore, instead of treating the snake at home based on the type of snake, the victim should be taken to the hospital immediately. Where there is a system for emergency treatment and, if necessary, anti-snake venom.
What is the first thing to do if bitten by a snake?
The first thing for patients and relatives to do after a snake bite is not to panic and to get to a medical facility quickly. Panic and unnecessary movement can speed up the spread of the venom in the body. The patient should be kept as calm and still as possible. If possible, they should be kept still with a splint or appropriate support. The patient should not be walked to the hospital, but should be carried or carried on a stretcher if possible. The bite site may swell, so rings, bangles, anklets, or other tight objects on the affected limb should be removed quickly.
Which can’t be done in any way.
Some conventional methods after a snake bite can be extremely harmful.
* Do not tie tightly with a rope or tourniquet. This can cause tissue damage by cutting off blood flow, and even serious organ damage. It is especially recommended not to use force.
* The wound should not be cut with a blade or knife. This increases the risk of excessive bleeding, infection, and tissue damage.
* Do not try to squeeze the wound to extract the poison.
* Do not try to suck out the poison through your mouth.
* Treatment cannot be done with black stones, herbal medicines, chemicals, fire, or hot objects.
* You cannot delay going to the hospital by relying on a sorcerer, a magician, or a magician.
* It is recommended to avoid cutting wounds, sucking venom, ‘black stones’ and other unproven methods and take them to the hospital immediately.
Caution when applying bandages or pressure
There is often confusion about the rules for applying bandages to snakebites. Applying pressure to a snakebite is not safe or appropriate for all types of snakebites. In particular, for snakebites that cause severe local tissue damage and swelling, applying pressure incorrectly can be harmful.
After arriving at the hospital
When a snakebite patient arrives at the hospital, the first thing to do is to assess whether the patient is in a life-threatening situation. Doctors usually—
* Check if the airway is open.
* Monitor breathing and oxygen levels.
* Check blood pressure, pulse rate, and other things.
* Monitor the patient’s neurological status.
* Check the bite site and other parts of the body for swelling, bleeding, or tissue damage.
* Place a cannula in the vein if necessary.
* Perform various blood and urine tests.
In the case of neurotoxic poisoning, symptoms such as drooping eyelids, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and weakness of the respiratory muscles are especially observed. Because severe neurotoxic poisoning can lead to respiratory arrest, rapid and life-saving treatment can be necessary.
What kind of poisoning can occur?
The effects of snake venom can vary depending on the species of snake. Medically important snakes in Bangladesh and South Asia include cobras, kraits, and various viper species.
History
Neurotoxic poison
The venom of some snakes, such as cobras and kraits, can have serious effects, mainly on the nervous system and respiratory muscles. Symptoms may include:
* Drooping or drooping eyelids.
* Double vision.
* Difficulty speaking or swallowing.
* Weakening of the muscles of the face and neck.
* Gradual difficulty breathing.
* Respiratory paralysis in severe cases.
Rapid treatment is essential for such patients. If necessary, respiratory support, including a ventilator, may be required.
When is antivenom needed?
Antivenom is the mainstay and life-saving treatment for snakebites. However, not every patient should be given antivenom just because they have been bitten by a snake.
If there is clinical evidence of toxicity, such as—
* Neurotoxic symptoms.
* Shortness of breath.
* Serious blood clotting problems.
* Significant or progressive local swelling and tissue damage.
* Severe bleeding.
* Shock or severe drop in blood pressure.
* Evidence of toxic kidney damage.
The doctor decides to administer antivenom. The type, amount, concentration, and timing of antivenom administration cannot be specified for everyone. These should be determined by the likely snake species, the type of envenomation, the patient’s clinical condition, the manufacturer’s instructions for the antivenom used, and local national treatment protocols.
