Cottonmouth Snakebite

The cottonmouth snake is a poisonous snake that dwells mostly in southern and mid western parts of the United States. It's scientific name is Agkistrodon piscivorus and it's closely associated to the copperhead snake family. Cottonmouth is also a pit viper species and its bite is highly venomous. It's also known by other common names like swamp moccasin, water moccasin and black moccasin. This aggressive species uses its fang for biting. Cottonmouth snakebite is dangerous and infectious owing to its strong poison content in its venom.

Cottonmouth Snakebite Symptoms

The first thing to be considered is identification of a cottonmouth snakebite. For this, you need to identify the snake by its physical appearance. Cottonmouths are mostly found in the wetland and marshy regions. Its length is approximately 48 inches and it has a triangular shaped head. Presence of dark and light bands all over their body is a common characteristic feature. Moreover, you will find that its mouth looks like a cotton ball when open and its stomach is more or less yellow in color. By observing these features you can confirm that the bite is of a cottonmouth snake.

Paralysis
Usually, this snakebite causes temporary paralysis in the affected area. They tend to bite in the leg or in the hands. Such parts will remain paralyzed until wounds have completely healed. In some cases cotton mouth snakebites are so heavy that muscles lose coordination and the brain is also affected. Recovery from such a condition is intensely difficult. In such cases the wound needs to be immediately treated and proper muscle coordination treatment is essential.

Pain
A sharp pain is felt at the site of the bite followed by tingling sensation and numbness. The poison gradually spreads to other parts of the body, and so does the pain. Pain is also accompanied by severe swelling. This is because body fluids start accumulating in the site of the wound. The punctured site turns red and heavy itching is experienced. Hands and limbs swell and the symptoms quickly spread to other parts of the body if not treated immediately. It's advised to make the person's clothes loose or to put them off when bitten by a cottonmouth snake.

Tremors
Sometimes venomous snakebites cause septic shock to the body that can be fatal. The shock will be more dangerous than the venom itself if a person has a very weak immune system. Chills and shivers are vigorous in cases where the venom has spread completely inside the blood, tissues and every part of the body, resulting in collapse of the system. The person also experiences rapid heartbeat, high pulse rates, and thirst. Weakness, nausea, respiratory trouble, skin discoloration, and vomiting are also some of the symptoms experienced.

Cottonmouth Snakebite Treatment

The first and foremost thing that you should do is, stay immobile to prevent the venom from spreading to other parts of the body. Clasp the site of bite to allow the venom remain confined in that particular area or else wrap a piece of cloth (handkerchief, bandanna, etc) tightly. Rush to the nearby medical center to get the first aid for snakebites. The venom is sucked with the help of a venom extractor that provides considerable relief. However, recovery takes longer time if the treatment has been delayed and the venom has dispersed in your body.

If you are a regular visitor of the most probable dwelling places of cottonmouth snakes then take the necessary precautions to prevent from imminent dangers. Try not to irritate the species or provoke them to sting you.