How to Treat and Diagnose Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning is a serious illness that can also be called plumbism, painter's colic and saturnism. Lead poisoning results as a cause of exposure to lead, which seeps into the bloodstream. Lead poisoning can be acquired by individuals who work around lead or with lead, children who ingest lead by accident and individuals who have large amounts of lead contaminating their drinking water. Lead has also been found in some imported products like makeup and children's toys. Lead does not have to be ingested to become affected by it. Lead poisoning is also caused by the inhalation of lead or the exposure to lead through broken skin. See a doctor immediately if you think you or your child has lead poisoning.

Instructions

1. Check for flu-like symptoms of lead poisoning. Symptoms can include stomach and abdominal pain, headaches, chest pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Because these symptoms are general and are a sign of many different afflictions, discuss the possibility of lead poisoning but do not single it out as the only possibility.

2. Check for unique symptoms of lead poisoning. Sufferers of lead poisoning may experience a metallic taste in the mouth, a blue line along the gums (known as Burton's Line), weakness of hand muscles, anemia and kidney infections. If your are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, have your doctor take a blood test.

3. Have a professional check the lead levels in your home to reduce the chance of other family members being affected. Have any lead paint or old pipes replaced with new, lead-free alternatives. Reducing lead exposure will reduce many of the symptoms of lead poisoning.

4. Consider chelation therapy as a treatment alternative. Besides just limiting lead exposure, chelation therapy can be used to reduce the symptoms of lead poisoning. Ask your doctor if you qualify to receive chelation therapy.

5. Take vitamin C. Vitamin C has been known to reduce levels of lead in the blood and slow the absorption of lead into the bloodstream. Although it is recommended that you take Vitamin C, it is not an alternative to medical treatment or being seen by a doctor.

Tips & Warnings

• See a doctor immediately if you are experiencing the symptoms of lead poisoning.

Resources

• Learn about lead poisoning at MayoClinic.com.