Warning Signs Of A Venomous Snake Bite

Nausea And Vomiting

The body may react to a venomous snake bite, as it would in most exposures to toxic substances, by inducing nausea and vomiting. While snake venom is delivered via injection, the body’s defense mechanisms may respond in much the same way it does an ingested poison, futilely trying to encourage the rapid expulsion of the toxin by inducing vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive distress. Neurotoxic venom may also directly cause dizziness and nausea as it disrupts the body’s system of balance. The individual may feel seasick or have the sensation of vertigo following an envenomation. While the symptoms may have a rapid onset following a bite, they may take many hours, or even a full day, to occur, especially when the snake in question is a species utilizing neurotoxic venom. Any instance of serious nausea or vomiting within twenty-four hours of a known or suspected snake bite should be treated as a potential envenomation, and a serious medical emergency requiring immediate professional care.