Originally published December 14 2005
UK doctors discuss the risks of snake bites
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Professor David Warrell talks about the dangers of the adder, Britain's only indigenous venomous snake, as well as the risk posed by exotic pet snakes for which antivenom may prove ineffective.
United Kingdom (AHN) Life threatening snake bites are rare but can do occur with some frequency in the UK, especially in children.
These bites, according to experts, should not be underestimated.
Antivenom, the only specific antidote, is underused in the UK according to health professionals.
The adder, the UK's only indigenous venomous snake, is one the Britain's should watch out for.
Snake bite experts also warn doctors should be aware that large numbers of dangerous snakes are kept surreptitiously as macho pets.
Professor David Warrell says this "underground zoo" reveals itself a few times each year when bitten owners are forced to seek medical help.
Envenoming can evolve over many hours, so patients must be carefully observed in a hospital for at least 24 hours after being bitten, he says.
Antivenom is effective and safe, but is currently underused in the UK.
Warrel continues, "treatment for exotic venomous snakebites may be more challenging than for the indigenous adder bites, and it may be difficult to establish which species was involved and therefore obtain the appropriate antivenom."
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