What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Hypnale Hypnale Snake Bite
• Indian Hump-Nosed Pitviper Snake Bite
• Oriental Hump-Nosed Viper Snake Bite

What is Hump-Nosed Pitviper Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The hump-nosed pitviper (Hypnale hypnale) is a moderately venomous snake found only in southwestern India and Sri Lanka; the snake is widely distributed in the endemic regions. The snake belongs to the subspecies of pit vipers, family Viperidae. Pit vipers are termed so, due to the presence of certain heat-sensing organs located in a recess/notch between their eyes and nostrils. The hump-nosed pitviper is a small reptile between a foot to 2 feet in length
• It is a nocturnal reptile that preys on frogs, small rodents (mice), and lizards (calotes, geckos, and skinks). It can climb large plants and small trees. It is found at altitudes of up to 5,000 feet (about 1,500 m) and inhabits grasslands, forests, and mountain sides. However, the snake is predominantly found in various crop plantations that include tea, coffee, rubber, coconut, cocoa, and banana. It is often observed in leaf piles and beneath damp vegetation, sitting coiled with its head angled upwards
• The snake has a medium-to-stout cylindrical body and a small pointed-edged tail. The depressed, triangular-shaped head has a prominent upturned snout (hence the term “hump-nose”) and is distinct from the neck. The body color of the hump-nosed pitviper may vary from one region to another and may be brown, red-brown, yellow, or gray. On the back and sides, a series of triangular patterns may be observed. The underbelly of the snake is dark
• Human contact with the pitviper is not uncommon, since the snake frequents agricultural lands. It is a very aggressive reptile that can strike furiously even when slightly disturbed, by making its body into a tight coil. Hump-Nosed Pitviper Snake Bites can cause moderate envenomation (venom injection) that may lead to fatalities without treatment. It is believed that the venom may be a mix of hemotoxins that cause variable symptoms including severe bleeding issues, shock, and renal failure
• The signs and symptoms of Hump-Nosed Pitviper Snake Bite may include localized effects, such as pain at the bite site, swelling, and bruising. Systemic symptoms may include tissue necrosis, headache, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures, dizziness, collapse, and kidney failure
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, intravenous fluid administration, blood transfusion, and respiratory support, as needed. The prognosis of Hump-Nosed Pitviper Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; without proper treatment, a few deaths have been reported