Lead poisoning in children can cause fatality, recognize the cause

Contents:

Medical Video: Lead Poisoning - Usmle step 1 biochemistry webinar lecture

Lead is a heavy metal that is toxic to the human body. Lead is present in small quantities in air, soil, household dust, food, drinking water, and cheap jewelry or toys. Lead poisoning occurs when lead particles accumulate in the body. This buildup of foreign substances can last for several months or years.

Few children or fetuses in the womb exposed to lead can cause serious damage. The bodies of children who are still in the stage of growth can absorb lead very easily, making it more risky for harmful effects. In large quantities, lead poisoning can be fatal for children and adults.

Signs and symptoms of lead poisoning children

Short-term exposure to lead in high levels can cause children to nausea and / or diarrhea. Meanwhile, cases of severe lead poisoning are classified as rare. Precisely long-term lead exposure is more common. Symptoms may include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach ache
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Headache

Sudden lead poisoning causes brain damage. Children with large amounts of lead poisoning at one time may experience seizures or even coma.

Causes of lead poisoning in children

Lead poisoning has many causes. Most commonly, lead poisoning in children occurs in children who swallow or lick lead-coated objects. Babies and children often place items that are not food in their mouths. Children can breathe contaminated dust or eat lead paint chips during home renovations or transfers. Lead poisoning can also be caused by drinking water from tin-plated plumbing. Other sources of lead poisoning include:

  • Air or contaminated soil
  • Some toys, household items and cosmetics
  • Eye make-up
  • Shiny ceramics
  • Leaded glass
  • Battery compartment cover
  • Bullet

Complications of lead poisoning that may occur in children

Lead poisoning is associated with adverse effects on children's growth, attention and behavior. Other complications might include:

  • Anemia
  • Brain, kidney and nervous system damage
  • Low levels of lead can cause a decrease in the level of intelligence and hearing loss.

How do doctors diagnose a child who has lead poisoning?

Your pediatrician can do a blood test to determine the level of lead exposure in a child's body, although it is not always necessary (depending on the child's condition). Discuss the level of exposure your child has with the doctor to see if a proper blood test is needed. Blood tests may be important if there is a risk of high exposure, because lead exposure does not always cause symptoms in children. Blood lead level tests are recommended only for children who have risk factors.

Treatment for lead poisoning children

To treat lead poisoning, the doctor will try to clean lead in the child's intestine. They also provide pediatric drugs called chelating agents. This is a chemical that can pull lead out of the bloodstream into the urine so that it can be drained from the body.

How to prevent lead poisoning for children and families

Cleaning lead from the environment around the child is the main preventive and treatment step.

In addition, there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of lead exposure in your home.

  • Regularly drain and rinse your plumbing
  • Open the water tap for at least 1 minute if your water is not used for more than a few hours.
  • Use cold water. Hot water contains more lead from cold water. Cook and drink only with cold water from the pipe.
  • Give your baby exclusive breastfeeding. Breast milk has lead that is much lower than tap water.
  • Diligent hand washing. Teach your children to wash their hands frequently. Lead dust is more difficult to digest after washing your hands properly.
  • Don't put shoes in the house. Dirt in the bottom soles of shoes can contain lead from the soil that you are exploring for a full day
  • Carefully choose and use house paint. Old houses may be covered with paint containing lead. Do not dredge or scrape paint because it will increase the amount of lead dust in the air.
  • Frequently clean the house Clean your house regularly to remove dust particles that may contain lead.
  • Avoid lead crystal containers. Avoid using lead containers to serve food or drinks. Especially for pregnant women or pouring children's drinks in crystal glasses.

When to see a doctor?

Check with your doctor if you think your child may have been exposed to a small amount of lead exposure.

Take your child to the nearest emergency room, or call 118/119 if necessary, if your child has swallowed or licked toys or lead-coated objects; experience a seizure or coma.

Lead poisoning in children can cause fatality, recognize the cause
Rated 5/5 based on 2881 reviews
💖 show ads