There are two different types of snake bite:
- dry bites, where the snake releases no venom (toxins produced by the snake)
- venomous bites, where the snake releases venom
The effects of venomous bites may be more severe in children, because they are smaller.
Symptoms of dry bites
The symptoms of a dry bite are:
- mild pain at the site of the bite caused by the snake’s fangs
- anxiety
If there are no other symptoms, such as swelling, it is probably a dry bite.
Although dry bites require no medical treatment, if you are bitten by a snake you should still visit your local accident and emergency (A&E) department. This is because signs that venom has been injected might not appear until later, up to two hours or more after the bite.
Symptoms of venomous bites
The symptoms of a venomous snake bite include:
- severe pain at the location of the bite
- swelling, redness and bruising at the location of the bite
- nausea (feeling sick)
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- itchy lumps on the skin (hives or nettle rash)
- swelling of the lips, tongue and gums
- breathing difficulties with wheezing, similar to asthma
- mental confusion, dizziness or fainting
- irregular heartbeat
Dial 999 to request an ambulance if someone who is bitten by an adder faints or develops any other symptoms that may indicate anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- swollen face, lips, tongue and throat
- swelling in the throat that can cause breathing difficulties
- rapid heartbeat
- itchy skin
Anaphylaxis can also cause a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to shock and cause symptoms such as:
- dizziness
- cold and clammy skin
- mental confusion
- loss of consciousness (in some cases)
Anaphylaxis should always be treated as a medical emergency, regardless of how severe it seems. Left untreated, the most serious cases of anaphylaxis can be life threatening.
See the Health A-Z topic about Anaphylaxis for more information.
