Identification and management of Snake Bite in Asia: A narrative review

Abstract

Snake bites are an important cause of illness and deaths in the rural population in tropical, subtropical and southeast Asian countries. There are more than 3000 species of snakes found all over the world of which around 300 species are found in India. In India, most of snake bite deaths occur due to delayed arrival to treatment centers. The purpose of the present review article is to explore the various species of snakes, their toxicology, clinical manifestations, and management. In addition, various ways to avoid snake bites and early approaches to government centers rather than private centers for the availability of Anti-snake venom have been discussed in this article. Rapid diagnostic test for the identification of species is available in selective centers only and treatment mainly depends on the administration of anti-snake venom. In addition, proper community education and strong health-care policy will reduce the morbidity and mortality due to snake bites.