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Warning-sign checks

Black widow spider bite: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, seizure, severe chest pressure, or rapidly worsening weakness.

    Trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat is an emergency.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent reassessment for worsening muscle spasms, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, very little urine, severe headache, or new chest or abdominal pain.

    Rash, itching, fever, joint pain, or swollen glands developing days later may indicate serum sickness and should be discussed promptly with a clinician.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if pain, weakness, or muscle soreness is not steadily improving, or if symptoms interfere with sleep and normal activity.

    A clinician should also review increasing redness, drainage, fever, or swelling around the bite.

The article also says

Follow the discharge instructions given by the treating clinician or poison center.

Take only the medicines recommended for you, and avoid driving or alcohol if a medicine causes drowsiness.

If antivenom was given, follow instructions about delayed allergic symptoms.

To reduce future exposure, shake out stored shoes and clothing, wear gloves when moving firewood or debris, and reduce clutter in areas where spiders may hide.

Pest-control professionals can help if widow spiders are repeatedly found around a home or workplace.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Black widow spider bite. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.