Can snake venom really be sucked out by mouth: Experts explain how it can even be fatal to the victim

Myths regarding treatment for snake bites are still widespread, even among both urban and rural populations worldwide, and one of the most popular myths about such treatment is the myth that sucking out the poison from the wound is a valid approach to treatment. Specialists in medicine, toxicology, and worldwide healthcare organisations advise strongly against this method because sucking out the poison does not get rid of it effectively enough; moreover, it can be quite harmful for the victim. According to the professionals, sucking out the poison can make the tissue injury worse and even lead to an infection. It’s essential to separate fact from fiction when it comes to snake bites, as misinformation could cost you precious time and potentially your life. Experts instead recommend keeping the victim calm, immobilising the affected limb, and seeking immediate medical attention for proper antivenom treatment and emergency care.Venom spreads throughout the lymph and blood systems fast enough following a bite. As a result, by the time someone tries to suck venom out of the wound, most of it would have spread to the surrounding tissues.As reported by the World Health Organisation, snakebite envenoming is one of the leading public health concerns in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In particular, the WHO considers snakebites a neglected tropical disease, with 5.4 million snakebites, 2.7 million cases of envenomings, and 81,000–138,000 deaths caused every year globally. It is the unsafe and harmful practices, including cutting the wound and applying chemicals to it or sucking venom out of it, which should not be done.The Staff Development Centre, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, also warns against sucking venom out of the bite wound. This is due to the fact that suction does not remove much of the venom, but rather injures the damaged tissue. Myths and delayed treatment contribute significantly to snakebite deaths worldwide.For many years, movies, folklore tales, and survival stories have popularised the idea of sucking venom out of a wound. But modern science regards the practice of mouth sucking as outdated and unsafe.The person applying the first aid might become exposed to the venom due to sores in the mouth, while the procedure itself might lead to contamination of the wound with harmful bacteria.Scientists note that, apart from the wrong technique, panic can worsen the situation for the victim. Movement, running around, and extremely tight tourniquets can speed up venom spread or cause blood circulation problems.It is well known that there are thousands of snakebites per year in India. That is why the Indian Council of Medical Research, in the snakebite information booklet for the healthcare workers, recommends people to use proven medical help instead of old-fashioned techniques.International medical organisations advise that snakebites require tranquil and straightforward initial treatment procedures. The injured individual should remain still as much as possible since physical activity will contribute to the faster circulation of the venom throughout the body.According to the ICMR manual, patients should:Physicians recommend memorising the colour or marking of the snake from a safe distance if feasible; however, they discourage capturing or killing the reptile.Envenoming due to snake bites continues to be a serious public health issue in many tropical nations. According to the World Health Organisation, envenoming due to snakebites is a neglected tropical disease, given that the victims are usually found in remote rural areas with poor access to health care facilities.Unrealistic assumptions, such as sucking the venom, using herbs, or magic, can make one miss the vital time window after which medical treatment is crucial. It is always advised that the victims have sufficient knowledge of what needs to be done in case of such a situation.The reality is that none of us must attempt to suck the venom at any point in time. Medical research has clearly demonstrated that seeking urgent medical attention, applying first aid, and administering anti-venom is what works in saving people's lives.