A to Z: Venomenparentshttps://kidshealth.org/EN/images/headers/P-khAZDictionary-enHD-AR1.jpgVenom refers to poisonous substances that are administered by an animal to its prey or enemy through a bite or sting. Depending on the species, its effects can range from mildly irritating to deadly.effects of venom, venom, bee sting, scorpion sting, black widow bite, snake bite, antivenom, venomous species, venomous animals, venomous bites, venomous stings08/14/201304/12/201909/02/2019bb7617e1-8ed4-406d-b65f-e2e03b06c065https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/az-venom.html/<p>Venom refers to poisonous substances that are administered by an animal to its prey or enemy through a bite or sting. Depending on the species, its effects can range from mildly irritating to deadly.</p>
<h3>More to Know</h3>
<p>While most often associated with snakes, venom is used by a variety of animals to kill prey or self-defend. Common venomous species include bees, scorpions, black widows, rattlesnakes, jellyfish, and stingrays.</p>
<p>Venoms are made of different proteins and enzymes with varying levels of toxicity. How a person responds to venom will depend upon what area of the body is affected and how much venom was secreted.</p>
<p>Signs and symptoms of a venomous bite or sting are wide ranging. A mild reaction may include pain and swelling at the site, hives, painful joints, fever, and swollen glands. A more severe reaction may include blurred vision, convulsions, <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/diarrhea.html/">diarrhea</a>, numbness, rapid pulse, tissue death, low blood pressure, shock, and even death.</p>
<p>Seeking <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/emergency-room.html/">emergency</a> treatment is advised for most types of venomous bites and stings, especially those from snakes. Medicines (antivenoms) can be given in the emergency room to offset the toxic effects of venom.</p>
<h3>Keep in Mind</h3>
<p>Many venomous bites and stings can be fatal if not treated immediately. Fortunately, if <a class="kh_anchor">proper precautions</a> are taken, the risk of getting a life-threatening bite or sting is very, very small.</p>
<p><em>All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.</em></p>A to Z: Insect Bites/Stings, Non-VenomousBites from non-venomous insects are the result of an insect attempting to feed upon a person's blood. Non-venomous means the insect does not inject poisons through its bite.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/az-insect-nonvenomous.html/fcc69e27-5eeb-4d09-911c-45705fa7c7f8A to Z: Insect Bites/Stings, VenomousVenomous insects bite or sting people as a way to defend themselves. They inject a poison (venom) into a person through their mouth or stinger which causes a reaction.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/az-insect-venomous.html/11f2446b-fdc3-4c4b-adb5-44719f887cd9A to Z: Snake/Lizard Bites, VenomousA bite from a venomous (poisonous) snake or lizard is painful and also can be life threatening.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/az-snake-lizard.html/d75f97d5-1a3a-41b7-b978-b36c4947996eBug Bites and StingsGenerally, insect bites and stings are harmless. Find out how to keep pests from ruining your fun.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/bug-bites.html/3b3949de-2ab8-470e-871d-35c8e648835dFirst Aid: Insect Stings and BitesBeing stung by a bug is often just irritating and doesn't require medical treatment. But kids who are highly allergic to stings may need emergency medical care.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/insect-stings-sheet.html/86e1ee2e-fa87-43cc-a5a0-4344a72a3a1cFirst Aid: Spider BitesMost spider bites cause mild reactions, but some can cause serious illness or allergic reactions. Here's what to do if you think your child was bitten by a spider.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/spider-bites-sheet.html/4b81bc59-f504-4feb-b579-7a7a0c4442d3Hey! A Black Widow Spider Bit Me!The black widow spider is one of six poisonous kinds of spiders in the United States. Learn more about them!https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/kids/black-widow.html/c364a78a-90e1-4b20-9064-30bb789cc493Hey! A Brown Recluse Spider Bit Me!The brown recluse spider is one of six poisonous kinds of spiders in the United States. Learn more about the brown recluse spider.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/kids/brown-recluse.html/02ad1372-2b9f-4ba9-8138-8cde072b7abeHey! A Scorpion Stung Me!Scorpions are about three inches long (about the length of a crayon), with eight legs and a small pair of claws that look like crabs' claws. Read all about them.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/kids/scorpion.html/843d0688-ac4b-4176-aa1c-103a3c2a5f8fHey! A Tarantula Bit Me!A tarantula is a black, hairy spider that is about two to three inches long. Learn all about spiders and tarantulas in this fun article for kids.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/kids/tarantula.html/c74043c2-e657-4da4-82be-4fee2033e372Insect Sting AllergyInsect sting allergies can cause serious reactions. Find out how to keep kids safe.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/sting-allergy.html/701e2b97-9880-4ee9-8b38-56ab474a1a9bJellyfishJellyfish can sting swimmers - ouch! Find out more about these quietly creepy sea creatures.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/kids/jellyfish.html/cd834953-7c37-44ad-a43a-ba2325b0eb5aJellyfish StingsFrolicking in the ocean is a summertime rite of passage, but a jellyfish sting can spoil the fun. Here's how to handle it if someone in your family gets zapped by one of these mysterious sea creatures.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/jellyfish.html/a68ae46a-1d8a-4570-a53e-919e2519c46ckh:age-allAgesOrAgeAgnostickh:clinicalDesignation-emergencyMedicinekh:genre-dictionarykh:primaryClinicalDesignation-emergencyMedicineVhttps://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/dictionary/v/764e8c27-b324-43dd-b4fe-51d05d921cee