A TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTICE IN SNAKEBITE

Abstract

Snakebite is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Turkey, especially in rural areas. There are 41 snake species living in Turkey, 28 of which are non-poisonous and 13 are venomous. Of these 13 venomous snakes, 10 species are from the Viperidae family, 2 species from the Colubridae and 1 species from the Elapidae (Cobras) family and can be lethal with the venom they inject when they bite. The venom has mostly hematotoxic rarely neurotoxic effects. In addition to these effects, it also has cardiotoxic, myotoxic and nephrotoxic properties. A 50-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department 30-40 minutes after her left hand was bitten by a snake bite from the second finger. The patient, who was conscious, agitated and restless, had ecchymosis, widespread edema, pain and tenderness at the wound site. The wound area was cleaned with an antiseptic solution, 80 mg Prednisolone, 20 snake antiserum, 100 mg ulcer and tetanus prophylaxis were administered in the emergency room. The patient was absorbed 80-90 cc of fluid and blood absorption from three different areas on the left hand using the cupping vacuum method, then a splint was taken and elevation was performed. In the examination of the patient 20 hours after the application, edema in the hand decreased, swelling decreased, limitation of movement disappeared and the patient had minimal pain. The blood parameters of the patient were checked and evaluated as normal. The patient was discharged in a healthy way after 40 hours of admission to the hospital, following control and follow-up. As in our case, it should not be forgotten that besides all modern medical practices, cupping absorption therapy, which is a traditional medical treatment, is also very important in terms of supportive treatment and local tissue.