Condition Lookup

Snake venom poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Symptoms:
pain at the bite site; swelling; difficulty breathing; nausea; vomiting; dizziness; weakness; blurred vision; bleeding; paralysis

Root Cause:
Envenomation by the venom of a snake, which contains proteins that can damage tissue, blood vessels, and organs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and symptoms, the type of snake (if known), and laboratory tests like blood clotting studies, complete blood count (CBC), and snake venom detection kits.

Treatment:
Antivenom administration is the primary treatment, along with supportive care such as fluid management, pain relief, and respiratory support.

Medications:
The main treatment is antivenom, which is a specific antibody designed to neutralize venom toxins. Pain relief can be managed with opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), depending on the severity of the pain. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling. Anticoagulants may be used for clotting issues, and antibiotics may be given if secondary infections are a concern.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Worldwide, approximately 5.4 million cases of snakebite occur annually, with about 100,000 deaths.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Proximity to snake habitats, agricultural work, lack of access to medical care, and unawareness of proper snakebite prevention.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If treated promptly with antivenom and appropriate medical care, the prognosis is generally good. However, severe envenomations can cause lasting damage or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe complications may include tissue necrosis, renal failure, hemorrhage, paralysis, and death. Long-term effects may include limb amputations, kidney dysfunction, or chronic pain.

Scorpion stings

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Sub-category: Animal Toxins

Symptoms:
pain at the sting site; swelling; numbness; muscle twitching; difficulty breathing; fever; vomiting; high blood pressure

Root Cause:
Injection of neurotoxins from a scorpion's sting, which affect nerve cells and can cause localized or systemic reactions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is clinical, based on the patient's symptoms, history of exposure, and the species of scorpion involved.

Treatment:
Local pain management with analgesics, and antivenom in severe cases. Other treatments may include muscle relaxants, antihistamines, and intravenous fluids.

Medications:
Scorpion antivenom is the primary medication for severe stings, especially in children or vulnerable individuals. Analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen ) are used for pain relief, while anticonvulsants and sedatives may be used in cases of systemic symptoms. In cases of an allergic reaction, corticosteroids or antihistamines may be prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Scorpion stings are common in tropical and subtropical regions, with an estimated 1.2 million stings occurring annually worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living in areas where scorpions are prevalent, working outdoors at night, or having a weakened immune system.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases are mild and self-limited, but severe reactions can occur, especially in young children or the elderly. With prompt treatment, the prognosis is typically favorable.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Serious complications include respiratory distress, seizures, and, rarely, death. Persistent local pain and numbness can also occur.

Spider bites (e.g., black widow, brown recluse)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Sub-category: Animal Toxins

Symptoms:
localized pain; muscle cramps; sweating; nausea; vomiting; fever; chills; skin necrosis; tissue damage

Root Cause:
Venom injection from spiders containing neurotoxins or cytotoxins, leading to local and systemic symptoms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and history of exposure to venomous spiders. In some cases, laboratory tests may be used to detect systemic effects of envenomation.

Treatment:
Treatment involves pain management, wound care, and, in severe cases, antivenom or muscle relaxants. Surgery may be needed for extensive tissue damage from brown recluse bites.

Medications:
For black widow spider bites, antivenom may be used for severe cases. Pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs are typically prescribed. Muscle relaxants like benzodiazepines may be used for severe muscle cramps, while corticosteroids can reduce inflammation. In cases of skin necrosis, antibiotics or even surgical intervention may be required.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
In the U.S., there are approximately 2,500 to 3,000 cases of black widow bites and 1,000 to 2,000 cases of brown recluse bites annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living in areas where venomous spiders are common, being outdoors at night, or disturbing spider habitats.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most spider bites are not fatal and can be managed with appropriate medical care. Severe cases may lead to long-term scarring, particularly with brown recluse bites.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tissue necrosis, systemic symptoms like hypertension or respiratory distress, and secondary infections can occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Marine envenomations (e.g., jellyfish, stonefish, cone snail)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Sub-category: Animal Toxins

Symptoms:
pain or stinging sensation; swelling; nausea; vomiting; difficulty breathing; paralysis; heart arrhythmias; skin lesions

Root Cause:
Envenomation by marine organisms that release toxins into the body, affecting the nervous system, cardiovascular system, or causing local tissue damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on the history of exposure to marine creatures, clinical presentation, and identification of the specific venomous species involved.

Treatment:
Treatment includes immediate first aid (e.g., rinsing with vinegar for jellyfish stings, immersion in hot water), pain relief, and administration of specific antivenoms or supportive care. In some cases, defibrillation or respiratory support may be required.

Medications:
Jellyfish stings may be treated with analgesics (NSAIDs or acetaminophen ) for pain. For severe envenomations, antivenom may be administered. Other medications could include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and calcium gluconate for specific marine toxins like stonefish venom. Muscle relaxants and antiarrhythmics may be used for severe systemic effects.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Marine envenomations are common in coastal areas, with jellyfish stings alone resulting in millions of cases annually, especially in tropical regions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Swimming in areas known for venomous marine life, lack of awareness, and seasonal variation in marine toxin release.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the species involved and the severity of the envenomation. Most cases are mild, but severe reactions can cause long-term complications or be fatal.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmias, neurological damage, and, in extreme cases, death. Secondary infections or permanent scarring may occur due to skin lesions.