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

• Green Bamboo Pitviper Snake Bite
• Trimeresurus Albolabris Snake Bite
• White-Lipped Tree Viper Snake Bite

What is White-Lipped Pitviper Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The white-lipped pitviper (Trimeresurus albolabris) is a moderately venomous snake found in North and Southeast Asia, including in the Indian subcontinent. It is seen in the countries of Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam
• 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 white-lipped pitviper can grow from less than 1.5 to about 3.5 feet in length; the females are usually larger than males
• The white-lipped pitviper preys on a variety of animals including small mammals (rodents), frogs, lizards, and birds. It is a nocturnal reptile that inhabits bush vegetation in bamboo thickets, moist subtropical and temperate forests, and hilly terrain at elevations up to 10,000 feet (3,050 m). The snake is found on small trees and plants, especially during the daytime
• The snake has a medium-sized to heavy body with a short prehensile tail (to grasp tree branches). The head of the snake is triangular-shaped, slightly elongated, and distinct from its neck. The body color is typically and uniformly yellow-green to grass-green. Some species may present darker crossbands on their back. The snake’s belly is either green, yellow, or white
• Human contact with the white-lipped pitviper is not uncommon. The snake may be found around cultivated lands, and occasionally enter parks, gardens, and residences in search of prey, even in urban areas. Even though generally slow-moving, the snake can be easily irritated and may bite under slight provocation
• White-Lipped Pitviper Snake Bites can cause moderate to severe envenomation (venom injection) and occasionally result in deaths without early treatment. The venom is a potent mix of hemotoxins that can cause variable symptoms in the victims including severe bleeding issues and shock. The untreated lethality rate is less than 10%
• The signs and symptoms of White-Lipped Pitviper Snake Bite may include localized effects, such as pain at the bite site, swelling, and blistering. Systemic symptoms may include tissue necrosis, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, lightheadedness, and collapse. Without suitable treatment, severe complications may develop
• 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 White-Lipped Pitviper Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good