大多数蛇对人类没有危险。全世界只有大约 15 %(美国有 20 %)的蛇在咬合时注射毒液。这种蛇被称为毒蛇。在北美洲,毒蛇包括响尾蛇、珊瑚蛇、水蝮蛇(又称棉口蛇)和铜头蛇。被这些毒蛇咬伤会造成严重伤害,有时甚至死亡。

如果被毒蛇咬伤,请立即拨打 911 或当地急救电话,尤其是被咬伤的部位变色、肿胀或疼痛时。多数急诊室都有抗蛇毒血清药物,这可以帮助到您。

如果可能,应在等待医疗救助时采取以下措施:

  • 远离毒蛇。
  • 保持静止和镇定。
  • 在肿胀开始前,取下任何首饰、手表或脱掉紧身衣物。
  • 坐下或躺下,使被咬部位处于自然、舒适的姿势。
  • 使用肥皂和水清洗被咬部位。用干净、干燥的绷带轻轻地覆盖或包裹被咬部位。

When to seek emergency help

If a venomous snake bites you, call 911 or your local emergency number right away, especially if the bitten area changes color, swells or is painful. Many emergency rooms have antivenom drugs, which may help you.

症状

大多数蛇咬伤发生在手臂、手腕或手上。无毒蛇咬伤的典型症状是咬伤部位疼痛、受伤和抓痕。

被毒蛇咬伤后,咬伤部位通常会出现剧烈疼痛和触痛。这种情况可能会恶化,导致受伤部位肿胀和瘀伤,并可能沿着手臂或腿部向上转移。其他症状包括恶心、喘息、虚弱感以及口腔内异味。

有些蛇,例如珊瑚蛇,体内的毒素会影响大脑和神经。这会导致上眼睑下垂、手指或脚趾有刺痛感、吞咽困难和肌无力等症状。

有时,毒蛇咬人时不会注射毒液。这就是所谓的干咬。

Treatment

After you call 911 or your local emergency number, if possible, take these steps while waiting for medical help:

  • Move far away from the snake.
  • Stay still and calm.
  • Remove any jewelry, watches or tight clothing before swelling starts.
  • Sit or lie down so that the bite is in a neutral, comfortable position.
  • Clean the bite with soap and water. Cover or wrap it loosely with a clean, dry bandage.

What to avoid

  • Don't tie off the bite area, called using a tourniquet, or apply ice.
  • Don't cut the bite or try to remove the venom.
  • Don't drink caffeine or alcohol.
  • Don't take pain-relieving medicine, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Doing so can increase your risk of bleeding.
  • Don't try to catch or trap the snake. Try to remember its color and shape so that you can describe it. If possible, take a picture of the snake from a safe distance. Knowing what kind of snake bit you can help with treatment.
Aug. 08, 2024