Lead poisoning: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Lead poisoning | |||
| image = [[File:Lead_PoisoningRadio.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = X-ray showing lead lines in the bones of a child with lead poisoning | |||
| field = [[Toxicology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Abdominal pain]], [[constipation]], [[headache]], [[irritability]], [[memory problems]], [[infertility]] | |||
| complications = [[Anemia]], [[neuropathy]], [[kidney damage]], [[encephalopathy]] | |||
| onset = Gradual | |||
| duration = Long term | |||
| causes = [[Lead]] exposure | |||
| risks = [[Occupational exposure]], [[living in older homes]], [[children]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Blood lead level]] test | |||
| differential = [[Iron deficiency anemia]], [[zinc deficiency]], [[porphyria]] | |||
| prevention = [[Lead abatement]], [[occupational safety]] | |||
| treatment = [[Chelation therapy]], [[supportive care]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depending on exposure and treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in developing countries | |||
}} | |||
[[Lead poisoning]] is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal [[lead]] in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues, including the [[heart]], [[bones]], [[intestines]], [[kidneys]], and [[reproductive system]], but primarily affects the [[nervous system]], particularly in children. | [[Lead poisoning]] is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal [[lead]] in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues, including the [[heart]], [[bones]], [[intestines]], [[kidneys]], and [[reproductive system]], but primarily affects the [[nervous system]], particularly in children. | ||
[[File:Symptoms of lead poisoning (vector).svg|thumb|Symptoms of lead poisoning (vector)]] | [[File:Symptoms of lead poisoning (vector).svg|left|thumb|Symptoms of lead poisoning (vector)]] | ||
=== Etiology and Pathophysiology === | === Etiology and Pathophysiology === | ||
Lead can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption, most commonly from lead-based paint, contaminated water, and lead dust. Once in the body, lead can displace calcium, interfere with the formation of [[red blood cells]], and disrupt the functioning of the nervous system. | Lead can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption, most commonly from lead-based paint, contaminated water, and lead dust. Once in the body, lead can displace calcium, interfere with the formation of [[red blood cells]], and disrupt the functioning of the nervous system. | ||
[[File:LeadPlombs contenu 1 cartouche.jpg|thumb|LeadPlombs contenu 1 cartouche | [[File:LeadPlombs contenu 1 cartouche.jpg|left|thumb|LeadPlombs contenu 1 cartouche]] | ||
=== Clinical Presentation === | === Clinical Presentation === | ||
[[File:Prevent childhood lead poisoning - DPLA - 049d88d544c58f621aa28f6900911810.jpg|thumb|Prevent childhood lead poisoning - DPLA - 049d88d544c58f621aa28f6900911810]] | [[File:Prevent childhood lead poisoning - DPLA - 049d88d544c58f621aa28f6900911810.jpg|left|thumb|Prevent childhood lead poisoning - DPLA - 049d88d544c58f621aa28f6900911810]] | ||
Symptoms of lead poisoning are diverse and may vary depending on the individual and the duration and intensity of exposure. In children, the symptoms often include abdominal pain, decreased appetite, irritability, constipation, fatigue, and learning difficulties. In adults, additional symptoms may include high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, difficulties with memory or concentration, headache, abdominal pain, mood disorders, and, in some cases, reduced sperm count or abnormal menstruation. | Symptoms of lead poisoning are diverse and may vary depending on the individual and the duration and intensity of exposure. In children, the symptoms often include abdominal pain, decreased appetite, irritability, constipation, fatigue, and learning difficulties. In adults, additional symptoms may include high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, difficulties with memory or concentration, headache, abdominal pain, mood disorders, and, in some cases, reduced sperm count or abnormal menstruation. | ||
=== Diagnosis === | === Diagnosis === | ||
Lead poisoning is diagnosed through a blood test that measures the level of lead in the blood. According to the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC), a blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter or more in children or 10 micrograms per deciliter or more in adults is considered elevated and requires treatment. | Lead poisoning is diagnosed through a blood test that measures the level of lead in the blood. According to the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC), a blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter or more in children or 10 micrograms per deciliter or more in adults is considered elevated and requires treatment. | ||
=== Treatment === | === Treatment === | ||
Treatment for lead poisoning consists of removing the source of lead, providing nutritious meals rich in calcium and iron to help reduce the absorption of lead, and in severe cases, using chelation therapy or EDTA therapy to remove the lead from the body. | Treatment for lead poisoning consists of removing the source of lead, providing nutritious meals rich in calcium and iron to help reduce the absorption of lead, and in severe cases, using chelation therapy or EDTA therapy to remove the lead from the body. | ||
=== Prevention === | === Prevention === | ||
Prevention of lead poisoning can be achieved through various measures, including reducing environmental lead sources, increasing public awareness about the dangers of lead exposure, regular screening for lead in at-risk individuals, and implementing protective occupational safety regulations for those working with lead. | Prevention of lead poisoning can be achieved through various measures, including reducing environmental lead sources, increasing public awareness about the dangers of lead exposure, regular screening for lead in at-risk individuals, and implementing protective occupational safety regulations for those working with lead. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Heavy metal poisoning]] | * [[Heavy metal poisoning]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:07, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Lead poisoning | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Abdominal pain, constipation, headache, irritability, memory problems, infertility |
| Complications | Anemia, neuropathy, kidney damage, encephalopathy |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Long term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Lead exposure |
| Risks | Occupational exposure, living in older homes, children |
| Diagnosis | Blood lead level test |
| Differential diagnosis | Iron deficiency anemia, zinc deficiency, porphyria |
| Prevention | Lead abatement, occupational safety |
| Treatment | Chelation therapy, supportive care |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depending on exposure and treatment |
| Frequency | Common in developing countries |
| Deaths | N/A |
Lead poisoning is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues, including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive system, but primarily affects the nervous system, particularly in children.
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Etiology and Pathophysiology[edit]
Lead can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption, most commonly from lead-based paint, contaminated water, and lead dust. Once in the body, lead can displace calcium, interfere with the formation of red blood cells, and disrupt the functioning of the nervous system.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Symptoms of lead poisoning are diverse and may vary depending on the individual and the duration and intensity of exposure. In children, the symptoms often include abdominal pain, decreased appetite, irritability, constipation, fatigue, and learning difficulties. In adults, additional symptoms may include high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, difficulties with memory or concentration, headache, abdominal pain, mood disorders, and, in some cases, reduced sperm count or abnormal menstruation.
Diagnosis[edit]
Lead poisoning is diagnosed through a blood test that measures the level of lead in the blood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter or more in children or 10 micrograms per deciliter or more in adults is considered elevated and requires treatment.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for lead poisoning consists of removing the source of lead, providing nutritious meals rich in calcium and iron to help reduce the absorption of lead, and in severe cases, using chelation therapy or EDTA therapy to remove the lead from the body.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of lead poisoning can be achieved through various measures, including reducing environmental lead sources, increasing public awareness about the dangers of lead exposure, regular screening for lead in at-risk individuals, and implementing protective occupational safety regulations for those working with lead.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
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