HEAVY METAL POISONING - WatsonsHealth

HEAVY METAL POISONING

Heavy metal poisoning is poisoning with metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury and others. This condition may occur more frequently nowadays, as heavy metals are in the soil and the water that we use daily. However, true heavy metal poisoning is actually a rare occurrence ad is dangerous to health.

Types

There are many types of heavy metal poisoning. They are as follows:

  • Aluminum Poisoning
  • Antimony Poisoning
  • Arsenic Poisoning
  • Barium Poisoning
  • Bismuth Poisoning
  • Cadmium Poisoning
  • Chromium Poisoning
  • Cobalt Poisoning
  • Copper Poisoning
  • Gold Poisoning
  • Iron Poisoning
  • Lead Poisoning
  • Lithium Poisoning
  • Manganese Poisoning
  • Mercury Poisoning
  • Nickel Poisoning
  • Phosphorous Poisoning
  • Platinum Poisoning
  • Selenium Poisoning
  • Silver Poisoning
  • Thallium Poisoning
  • Tin Poisoning
  • Zinc Poisoning

 

Symptoms

Heavy metal poisoning symptoms depend on the type of metal and the amount consumed.

Signs and symptoms of acute heavy metal poisoning include the following:

  • Feeling confused
  • Numbness
  • Vomiting
  • Fainting

Chronic heavy metal poisoning is caused by the gradual build-up of heavy metals in the body. Its signs and symptoms include the following:

  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Constipation

DIAGNOSIS

Heavy metal poisoning can be diagnosed using medical history, physical and various tests. These include the following:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • X-ray

 

MEDICATIONS/TREATMENT

Heavy metal poisoning can be treated by staying away from the substance that causes the poisoning.

In some cases, gastric lavage may be needed.

Serious poisoning may need a treatment method called chelation. This involves the use of intravenous drugs that can help eliminate heavy metals inside the body.

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