ANIMALS AND HUMAN BITES: RISKES AND FIRST AID MEASURES

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo 11566

2 Military Medical Academy, Cairo, 11291

3 Military Medical Academy, Cairo, 11291, Egypt

Abstract

Animal bites are common worldwide and may be associated with significant morbidity. Biting is
a common zoological behavior involving the active, rapid closing of the jaw around an object. A
behavior is found in toothed animals as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, but can also exist
in arthropods. Besides, human biting is an age appropriate behavior and reaction for human children
30 months and younger. Conversely, children are expected to have verbal skills to explain
their needs and dislikes, biting is not seen as age appropriate. Biting may be prevented by methods
including redirection, change in environment and responding to biting by talking about appropriate
ways to express anger and frustration. Preschool and schoolaged children, those older than 30
months, who habitually bite may require professional intervention.

Keywords