Priority Emergency Room offers medical advice pertinent to snake bites

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - Flood waters, heat, and humidity, bring out the best and worst in snakes. Priority Emergency Room sees two to three patients a week who have been bitten, so learn what to do in the event of a snake bite. Dr. Zadagallos provides this essential medical advice if you get bitten.

"Elevate the limb and call your doctor. Look for a lot of swelling. You can tell they’re poisonous if it hurts more than it should. If you’re in unbearable pain, then go to the Emergency Room immediately,” recommends Dr. Zadagallos. “Do NOT cut it or suck out poison, that doesn't work, and no ice or hot packs. For the most part, just wash the bite with soap and water, then get to the ER."

Priority Emergency Room doesn’t see a lot of patients who have been bitten by poisonous snakes, but non-venomous snake bites can still get infected. Contact your doctor if a bite turns red a couple days later.

"Don't be afraid to go outside just because you know snakes live outside," said Dr. Zadagallos. “Humans are a lot larger than snakes; they usually only bite if bothered or if they feel threatened.”

Dr. Zadagallos provided some tips on the common snakes in The Woodlands that are poisonous. They are called "Pit Vipers" which include Copperheads, Water Moccasins, Rattlesnakes, other snakes with triangular-shaped heads, and the Coral snake.

"If they have oval heads, they aren't poisonous," said Dr. Zadagallos.

If you think you've been bitten by a poisonous snake, contact Priority Emergency Room at 832-271-7769 in The Woodlands, or Texas Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. In addition to snake bites, Dr.Zadagallos said they’re knowledgeable about other poisons, for example, laundry detergent. If you have questions or concerns about poisons, Priority Emergency Room is always open, or you can call them.

Priority Emergency Room is located at 3759 FM 1488, Suite 500, in The Woodlands, TX, 77384. For more information visit their website at the link provided.

For more information about the venomous snakes in the area, also see Helpful tips for dealing with snakes from TWRC by TWRC Wildlife Center.

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