Venomous snake bites

Abstract

Venomous snake bites are an important health issue in temperate zone, including Turkey. There is not sufficient data about this underestimate problem in this country due to notice failure, and most of the bitten people do not look for a health care. The management of venomous snake bite should be initiated in the field and continue with appropriate treatment in the emergency department. The mortality and morbidity rates in venomous snake bites can be decreased by giving an eligible antivenin therapy. The risk of early and late allergic reactions as a result of antivenin therapy is quite high and for this reason the patient selection criteria should be strict. Recently prophylactic antibiotic or steroid usages are not acceptable methods for the management of venomous bites. In conclusion, there is an urgent requirement to collect appropriate data and a diagnosis and treatment guideline should be established for the venomous snake bite.