Signs of Lead overdose

Description

Lead poisoning most commonly occurs over time. The ingested amount of lead is not cleared from the body and accumulates. The lead causes anemia, decreased IQ, abdominal pain, constipation, and kidney damage. Children are more susceptible, and exposure is often from old peeling paint. Other types of exposure are from hobbies, toys, and in adults shooting lead bullets.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, difficulty learning, constipation, anemia (low red blood cell count), irritability, problems sleeping. Very high levels can cause coma and seizures.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests will be done to determine organ damage, and establish a lead level. An X-ray of the abdomen can identify the lead after an acute ingestion.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
UA
X-Ray
BHCG
CT Scan

Treatment

Treatment includes intravenous fluids and in an acute ingestion cleaning the bowel of all contents with whole bowel irrigation. Chelation therapy to bind and remove the lead may be initiated. The timing and type of chelation treatment depends on the symptoms and severity of toxicity. For more information and help call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222. For more information on Lead contact the National Lead Information Center at: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nlic.htm or call (800)424-5323