Snake And Lizard Bites: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Have you been bitten by a large nonpoisonous snake, such as a boa constrictor, python, or anaconda?

See significance of a bite from a large nonpoisonous snake 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 tingling, burning, numbness, or a "pin-and-needles" feeling (paresthesia) below the bite injury?

Yes

Does the skin below the bite look pale and feel cold (pallor)?

Yes

Are you unable to move your limb normally (not because of pain) below the bite?

Yes

Do you have severe pain below a bite that is not part of the bite?

Yes

Did a lot of swelling develop within 30 minutes of the bite?

Yes

Do you have nausea or vomiting?

Yes

Do you have mild difficulty breathing?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Were you bitten by a very large snake (such as a boa constrictor, python, or anaconda), and you have no other symptoms?

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 19, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Sean P. Bush, MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine and Envenomation Specialist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer