Animal And Human Bites: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have swelling or bruising at or near a bite injury?

See significance of swelling or bruising if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have severe swelling or bruising at or near a bite injury?

Yes

Do you have increased swelling, redness, or warmth around a wound over a joint?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Did a lot of swelling and bruising develop within 30 minutes of the injury, and symptoms have not gone away?

Yes

Did swelling develop after a bite to a joint area?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has swelling from a bite (not over a joint) become worse over the past 24 hours despite home treatment?

Yes

Have you had a moderate amount of swelling from a bite for 2 to 3 days, but it does not interfere with your ability to function normally?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	June 10, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer