After-Effects of Black Widow Spider Bites
A bite from a female black widow spider can cause pain. It can also effect the victim's nervous system, but rarely is it fatal. If you know you have been bitten by a black widow spider, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
Black Widow Spider Bite
The most common after effect of a black widow spider bite is pain at the site of the bite. However, other symptoms may present themselves sometimes 20 minutes to an hour after the initial bite. Other common symptoms are abdominal cramping, increased heart rate and sweating.
Reactions
More severe reactions include chest pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or even trouble breathing. Realize that small children and the elderly are more at risk for these symptoms.
At the ER
Pain at the site of the bite can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. Hot or cold compresses on the bite also ease the pain. More severe symptoms are usually treated with narcotic pain medications and/or muscle relaxers. An antivenin may also be administered.
How long the After Effects Last
If the bite victim is not treated with an antivenin, symptoms may persist for several days, but they are rarely life threatening. If the antivenin is used, the patient will be monitored for effects of the medication because it is made from horse serum. It may cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals.
Preventing Bites
Black widow spiders are nocturnal, meaning they are only active at night. They like to hide in holes, woodpiles and dark areas. Only the female delivers the poisonous bite, and she will only bite if disturbed--such as when she's protecting her egg sack. Take care when reaching into holes, working in woodpiles or cleaning out dark corners of the basement or garage.
Tags: treated with, black widow, black widow spider, Black Widow Spider, More severe
