Do you believe that 275 species of
snake are spread across Indian subcontinent and among it 50 species are
venomous!
Majority of the population die due to
snakebite every year. The most venomous snakes in India are Indian cobra,
common krait, russells viper and saw-scaled viper.
We must keep in mind that snakes never
bite unless they feel threatened. Sometimes we unknowingly stamp them or
disturb their habitat which infuriates them.
The patient shouldn't panic or sleep as it could trigger fast spreading of the venom. Tie a cloth tightly above
the bitten spot so that the venom doesn’t spread to other body parts. Keep the
venom below heart level.
Remove any jewellery as they could cut
into swollen parts. Take the patient to nearby hospital where they will give
antidote according to the snake species. It would be useful if the patient
remembers the snake, in case they don’t remember it wouldn’t be a great deal as
the doctors can identify the bite according to the symptoms.
Not all snakes that bite are
poisonous. From the bite marks and swelling we can very easily identify it.
Several teeth mark at the bitten spot and no swelling leaves us in safer zone.
One or two teeth mark accompanied by swelling and change of color at the bitten
spot is a sign that it is venomous. Polyvalent anti-venom serum is given as
antidote for all of the four major snakes.
Now I will tell you about the four
venomous snakes, their habitat, the severity of their venom, about their
treatment and their survival duration.
Indian cobra (naga pambu):
Indian cobra is mostly found in
open forest, fields and villages. In India it is considered sacred and prayed
in the form of deity. The main symptoms of Indian cobra bite are drooping
eyelids, vomiting, sweating and extreme salvation. The venom of Indian cobra
can lead to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest and muscle paralysis. The
bitten person can survive from 15 min to 2 hours after the bite.
Common krait (kattu viriyan):
Common krait is found in scrub
jungles, fields and inhabited areas. Krait which is active during night feels
threatened by human intrusion. It reacts vehemently and bites the intruder who
feels minimal pain and swelling. Though krait is said to be lethal, with proper
treatment the patient can be rescued from 4to 8 hours from the bite. In severe
cases the patient will have labile hypertension and brain death.
Russells viper (kannadi viriyan):
Russell viper is
spread across plains, coastal lowlands and hills. Viper bite infuses extreme
pain and swelling. The patient will experience blood in gums and urine. Blood
pressure and heart rate will drop significantly. Blistering will occur at
bitten spot. Sometimes vomiting and facial swelling also occurs. If the bite is
untreated the patient can die from kidney failures. They will survive from 1 to
14 days or even later.
Saw-scaled viper (suruttai viriyan):
They inhabit
scrublands, nook and crannies of the rock and they bury themselves under the
sand. Their side winding movement makes them quick and unpredictable. Their
bite could trigger symptoms like nose bleeding, blood vomiting and blood in
urine. It also incorporates blood clots throughout the body called disseminated
intravascular coagulation. Sometimes there can be kidney failures too. The patient
can survive up to 30 minutes from the bite.
