- Parents Home
- Para Padres
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Flu Center
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Newborn Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- Pregnancy Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Family Life
- Sports Medicine Center
- Videos
- Kids Home
- Para Niños
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Feelings
- Getting Help
- Health Problems
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Heart Center
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Movies & More
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Q&A
- Recipes & Cooking
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Stay Safe Center
- Staying Healthy
- Staying Safe
- Videos
- Teens Home
- Para Adolescentes
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
A to Z: Venom
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.
More to Know
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.
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.
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, diarrhea, numbness, rapid pulse, tissue death, low blood pressure, shock, and even death.
Seeking emergency 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.
Keep in Mind
Many venomous bites and stings can be fatal if not treated immediately. Fortunately, if proper precautions are taken, the risk of getting a life-threatening bite or sting is very, very small.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
- What to Do About Bug Bites and Stings
- What to Do About Spider Bites
- A to Z: Insect Bites/Stings, Non-Venomous
- A to Z: Insect Bites/Stings, Venomous
- A to Z: Snake/Lizard Bites, Venomous
- Insect Sting Allergy
- Jellyfish Stings
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.