What To Do If You're Bitten By A King Cobra Snake

A king cobra's venom causes everything from visual problems and vomiting to anticoagulation, muscle weakness, and respiratory failure (as reported via Live Science). The Division of Medical Toxicology at the University of Californiareports thatthe first neurological and neuromuscular signs appear within 15 to 30 minutes after a bite. (Pain starts right away.) Although not everybody

A king cobra's venom causes everything from visual problems and vomiting to anticoagulation, muscle weakness, and respiratory failure (as reported via Live Science). The Division of Medical Toxicology at the University of California reports that the first neurological and neuromuscular signs appear within 15 to 30 minutes after a bite. (Pain starts right away.) Although not everybody experiences all symptoms, common ones include respiratory paralysis, paralysis of the palate, tongue and pharynx, convulsions, possible paralysis of the limbs and cervical muscles, and loss of consciousness. The tissue around the bite is often severely damaged and can quickly become necrotic. Infections, local edema, and swelling are also common.

Even when antivenom is administered, there's always the possibility that more serious symptoms will appear. If they do, respiratory assistance, intubation, fluid therapy, or other help might be necessary. Some potential complications can include impaired breathing and other neurological symptoms, acute renal failure that might require dialysis, and antibiotic therapy if there are signs of infection at the bite site.

When Tyler Nolan was in the hospital, his arm swelled up to a massive size, developing compartment syndrome (per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), a large buildup of pressure that restricts blood flow in the muscles. When this occurs during a snake bite, doctors will sometimes make a cut the length of the entire arm (known as a fasciotomy) to help relieve the pressure, though this can cause many issues and affect the limbs later on (per Science Direct).

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