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Health

First aid in case of viper bite

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Today, various sports, extreme activities, and tourism are quite common. Every year, the number of enthusiasts engaged in independent tourism is growing. The level of complexity of travel has increased significantly, routes have become longer and often pass through areas significantly remote from populated areas. At the same time, the risks associated with such a pastime have also increased significantly. It is no coincidence that today more and more injuries are associated with tourism. A viper bite is a great danger in such conditions. It is one of the animals that can provoke a serious condition and even death.

Treatment of a viper bite in hospital

Pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy is carried out, aimed at eliminating the pathology and relieving the symptoms. It is also necessary to check that the effect of the poison has been neutralized. Usually, the patient is taken to the hospital when first aid has already been provided, the poison has been sucked out, and the antidote has been administered. Otherwise, the patient may not survive until arrival at the hospital. If this is not done, the condition may be critical and then resuscitation therapy may be required, aimed primarily at neutralizing the poison. An antidote is administered. After this, measures are taken to maintain normal vital signs and stabilize the condition. Further supportive and restorative therapy is carried out after the threat to life has passed.

Drug treatment, first aid

Any medications should be used with caution, since in combination with snake venom they can cause a number of side effects. In particular, the combination of venom and some medications can lead to the formation of toxins, which will only enhance the effect of the venom, and also cause severe intoxication. Side effects can be unpredictable - from severe nausea, vomiting, clouding of consciousness to convulsions, seizures, cardiac and respiratory arrest, and even death. Therefore, it is important to take precautions - give any medications only after first aid has been provided, the venom has been neutralized. It is better not to give the victim any medications before the doctor arrives, but only suck out the venom and administer an antidote. Otherwise, the medications listed below are used (mainly in critical situations).

Amiodarone is used in cases of cardiac dysfunction. This is an antiarrhythmic agent that stabilizes cell membranes, prolongs the duration of the functional potential of the heart and the refraction time of the cardiomyocytes of the atria and ventricles. It slows down atrioventricular conduction. A similar effect is also observed in additional conduction pathways. Amiodarone has a negative inotropic effect and provokes dilation of peripheral vessels by non-competitive blocking of alpha receptors.

Amiodarone has a paradoxical arrhythmogenic effect, especially if administered simultaneously with drugs that prolong the cardiac interval. However, proarrhythmic action is observed less frequently than in the case of using other antiarrhythmic drugs in similar conditions. Side effects from the use of the drug are hypotension and bradycardia. It is necessary to administer an initial dose of 300 mg intravenously. In this case, the drug is dissolved in 20 ml of 5% glucose solution. When administered into a peripheral vein, it can provoke thrombophlebitis. Therefore, if the patient has access to the central vein, it is better to administer the drug this way. If not, it is administered through a large peripheral vein, after which thorough rinsing is carried out.

Magnesium normalizes the contractile response of the stunned myocardium and reduces the size of cardiac damage.

Intravenous magnesium is a safe and often effective treatment for ventricular tachyarrhythmias. For defibrillation-resistant cases, a 2-gram dose is given. The dose can be repeated after 10 to 15 minutes. For other types of tachyarrhythmia, 2 grams should be given over 10 minutes.

Calcium plays an important role in cardiac muscle activity. There is evidence that it has a positive effect on cardiac muscle. However, high plasma calcium concentrations may also have a negative effect on ischemic myocardium.

The initial dose is 10 ml of 10% sodium chloride. Calcium can slow down the heart and cause rhythm disturbances. Normalizes blood circulation and brain activity by expanding the vascular bed and increasing the volume of cerebral circulation. It also normalizes lung ventilation. The use of this drug is advisable only in cases of deep metabolic acidosis.

It is necessary to administer sodium bicarbonate (50 ml of 8.4% solution) in case of sudden circulatory arrest that occurs as a result of hyperkalemia and in case of poisoning with toxins of various origins.

Folk remedies

Any folk remedies can be used only after first aid has been provided. First, the poison must be sucked out, then the antidote administered. Only after this can restorative treatment be started. An effective restorative complex is offered, which allows the body to be restored after a bite in a short period of time, the effects of intoxication eliminated, and the basic vital functions normalized.

Stage 1. Body cleansing. It is recommended to take Enterosgel for 7-10 days. Enterosgel's action is aimed at binding the poison and its subsequent removal from the body. It is usually excreted with feces, but in more severe cases - with vomit. Irritation and inflammation are relieved, which contributes to accelerated recovery. The drug begins to act immediately after it is ingested. The effect is noticeable after 30 minutes, the maximum effect is seen after 2 hours. Adults are recommended to take 1.5 tablespoons of the drug at a time, which is one packet. For children under 14, this dosage is reduced to about a tablespoon at a time.

Stage 2. Restoring the body as a whole. Pumpkin oil is good for this. It normalizes the condition of the mucous membranes, improves metabolic processes, increases immunity, prevents further progression of inflammatory processes and intoxication. It is recommended to take a tablespoon twice a day. In addition, it is a rich source of vitamins. The remedy allows you to get rid of the symptoms of intoxication, helminths, other parasites and infections.

Stage 3. Lotions on the bite site. This will quickly restore the damaged area, prevent the damaging effect of the remaining poison, and prevent the development of an infectious and inflammatory process. For lotions, it is recommended to use special washing water. First, the wound surface should be washed with about a glass of decoction, simply pouring it onto the wound. After that, soak gauze in the decoction and place it on the damaged area. To prepare the water, it is recommended to take equal parts oak bark, flax seed, and blueberries, mix and pour boiling water over (at the rate of 2 tablespoons of the product per 2 glasses of water). Infuse for an hour. Lotions should be kept for at least 2 hours.

Stage 4. To increase overall resistance, endurance of the body, improve well-being, it is recommended to take sbiten, which perfectly increases immunity, normalizes metabolic processes, and also nourishes the body, saturates with vitamins and minerals. To prepare sbiten, mix about 150 grams of honey with 2 liters of water, boil for 20 minutes, then add spices (about 15 grams of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, bay leaf). Boil for another 5 minutes. Strain through cheesecloth, drink hot, like tea.

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Lotions after a viper bite

After a bite, it is recommended to apply compresses to the bite site for 10-14 days. Various medications, herbal decoctions, and infusions are suitable for this. It is better to use substances that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects to prevent the risk of infection and relieve inflammation. You can also use oil infusions, which soften the skin well, relieve itching and irritation.

To apply the compress, it is recommended to take gauze, soak it in several layers, then dip it in a previously prepared product. Liquid products are best used warm, greasy, oily ones - cold. Then apply the gauze to the affected area for about 30 minutes. You can fix it on top with a bandage or bandage. It is recommended to carry out such procedures at least 2-3 times a day.

  • Recipe #1. Lavender decoction

To prepare the decoction, take about 30-40 grams of lavender, pour two glasses of boiling water, and leave for an hour. Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey to the resulting decoction, mix thoroughly until completely dissolved. Then strain the product, apply a moistened gauze to the damaged area. This product can also be taken internally, one third of a glass. It has a calming effect on the nervous system, relieves tension and spasms.

  • Recipe #2. Potato broth

Potato broth with ground ginger and honey. Boil the potatoes in advance (it is better to mash them, in which the potatoes will boil well). To prepare, add a tablespoon of propolis and half a spoon of ground nutmeg to a glass of hot potato broth. Mix thoroughly, use for poultices.

  • Recipe #3. Rice broth

To prepare, add a tablespoon of honey to a glass of hot broth left over from cooking rice. Separately, take a whole ginger root, grate it on a fine grater and place a teaspoon of the resulting puree in the rice broth. Then cool to a warm state, use for poultices.

  • Recipe #4. Oil infusion

Take about 50 ml of sea buckthorn oil. Separately prepare a medicinal mixture: take about 50 grams of aloe leaves, chop finely. Add half a glass of honey. Put the mixture in a dark place for 3 hours, let it brew. After that, pour 50 grams of sea buckthorn oil into it. Use for lotions.

  • Recipe #5. Sage decoction

To prepare, take about 2-3 tablespoons of sage leaves, pour about 400-500 ml of boiling water. Infuse for 10-15 minutes, then strain the infusion. Then add about 150 grams of honey to the remaining broth, mix thoroughly. If necessary, heat in a water bath until the honey is completely dissolved.

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Herbal treatment

Common wormwood is found everywhere, so it is convenient to use even if the treatment is carried out in the forest. It is used in the form of decoctions, infusions, and you can also apply fresh washed leaves to the wound. The herb is used - stems, leaves, flowers. A well-known wound-healing, sedative, anticonvulsant. It is used as a weak sleeping pill. Relieves symptoms of intoxication, eliminates severe pain, swelling, inflammation, redness. Increases appetite, increases the overall resistance of the body. Fresh juice can be used to heal wounds.

Plantain can also be used in the form of decoctions, infusions, and simply applied to the wound, which significantly accelerates its healing. Leaves, inflorescences, and seeds are used. Contains a large amount of vitamins and enzymes. The plant has a bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing effect. The infusion is used to treat festering wounds. The seeds have an enveloping, soothing effect.

Common tansy is used in the form of flower baskets. It is used in the form of infusions and decoctions. Water infusion increases immunity, reduces the risk of developing infections and inflammations. It has antipyretic, antispasmodic effects, increases appetite, relieves headaches, and helps stop bleeding. It helps well in the form of lotions, compresses, and baths.

Homeopathy

Despite the fact that homeopathic remedies are considered harmless and safe, they can cause serious side effects and complications. They should be taken with caution in cases of poisoning, when treating the consequences of intoxication. They can cause disruption of the heart, blood circulation, and breathing. In combination with the remains of the poison, they can form a new toxic substance and cause severe intoxication. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions - use only after the poison has been neutralized, first aid has been provided, and the patient's life is out of danger.

  • Recipe #1. Antiseptic infusion

To prepare the infusion, you need calamus root. Pass the root through a meat grinder or grate it. Pour the resulting mass into a liter jar, fill it to the top with vodka or alcohol, add 3-4 tablespoons of honey. Let it brew for an hour. Then drink 1-2 tablespoons three times a day, or use externally in the form of lotions, compresses, add to baths.

  • Recipe #2. Glycerin oil

You need to take 100 grams of butter, melt it over low heat, add about 50 grams of honey, stirring slowly. Continue stirring until a homogeneous mass is formed. Then add 2-3 tablespoons of glycerin, mix thoroughly. If necessary, you can add 0.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon or ginger. The product is placed in the refrigerator to harden. It is used externally. It softens the skin well, heals wounds, relieves irritation and itching.

  • Recipe #3. Anti-intoxication mixture

To prepare the mixture, it is recommended to take a tablespoon of butter, after which the butter is kneaded or melted in a water bath. A teaspoon of honey is added to the butter and mixed. It should be a homogeneous mass. Add 50 ml of vodka to the resulting mixture and drink. This mixture can also be used for rubbing, lotions, and compresses.

  • Recipe #4. Plantain decoction

To prepare a decoction of plantain, you will need 10-12 plantain leaves and 500 ml of water. The leaves are washed, crushed, placed in a bowl and filled with water. Bring to a boil, then set aside. Take a third of a glass or use for external treatment of wounds.

  • Recipe #5. Strengthening mixture

Take one tablespoon three times a day orally. To prepare, take 100 grams of dried apricots, prunes, blackthorn and hazelnuts. Mix everything and mince. Separately, mince one walnut (100 grams) and about 50 grams of raspberries. Mix everything into one mass, add about 100 grams of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix the resulting mass thoroughly. surgical treatment

Bites do not require surgery. Surgeries are required when severe complications, side effects occur, as well as when the wound becomes purulent, a purulent-septic, inflammatory process develops, or gangrene develops.

Rehabilitation after a viper bite

After a viper bite, rehabilitation is aimed at overcoming the effects of intoxication, normalizing the body's condition. It is also recommended to treat the bite site with various anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agents to prevent inflammation and the development of an infectious process. It is recommended to take sorbents, vitamins, avoid hypothermia, and eat a full diet. The diet should include as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible, berries. You also need to eat gentle food: boiled, steamed. It is recommended to exclude mushrooms, as well as marinades, pickles, fried foods, seasonings and spices. It is advisable to follow this diet for at least 14 days. And even better - 28 days - this is a complete biochemical cycle that will allow the body to fully recover and renew itself.

Vitamins

To restore the body, it is necessary that the diet includes the most essential vitamins.

Vitamin A accelerates the wound healing process.

Vitamin D stimulates growth and restoration of the body. When there is a deficiency in the body, the normal absorption of calcium and phosphorus is disrupted, which leads to poor wound healing and brittle bones.

Vitamin K helps to normalize the skin condition, helps to normalize blood clotting. Its deficiency can occur when taking antibacterial substances.

Forecast

If first aid is provided in a timely manner (suck out the poison, give the victim an antidote), the viper bite will end safely. Otherwise, death occurs.

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