A black widow is one of several poisonous spiders that can be found in the United States. It can be characterized by a shiny black body and a red hourglass figure on its belly. A bite from one of these spiders can cause serious symptoms, and in the most severe cases can even cause death. The most serious symptoms of the bite can last for 2 or 3 days, but milder symptoms can last for several weeks. The venom of the black widow is a neurotoxin, which attacks the central nervous system of the victims who are bitten.
Chest or Abdominal Pain
Chest pain is any pain or discomfort that is felt between the throat and the abdomen. Abdominal pain is characterized as pain or discomfort that is felt between the chest and the pelvis. According to Medline Plus, if the spider bite has occurred on the upper body, chest pain will be felt. If the spider bite has occurred on the lower body, there will be abdominal pain. Because the toxin is a neurotoxin, the central nervous system is under attack causing these pains.
Anxiety
Family Doctor describes anxiety as a reaction alerting a person to potential danger. Anxiety can bring on a rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, and fast breathing. It can also make the person dizzy and unable to focus on things. The reason for the anxiety is because the body feels that it is under direct attack from the toxin in the bloodstream.
Difficulty Breathing
When it is difficult to breathe, the body is having trouble taking in oxygen for some reason. The reason in this case is because the central nervous system is being attacked by the venom of the black widow. The central nervous system controls the automatic functions of the body such as breathing and heartbeat.
High Blood Pressure
The blood pressure in the body will rise as a result of trying to fight off the toxin in the blood. The heart will pump harder to try and send more antibodies to the site, resulting in high blood pressure. This can only be treated by blood pressure medication in the hospital.
Pregnancy Complications
When pregnant women have been bitten by a black widow, it can result in contractions or early labor. According to the American Family Physician, pregnant women should be hospitalized for observation following a black widow bite for risk of threatened abortion.
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