Causes and risk factors
One of the major causes for increase levels of lead in body is environmental pollution. Lead is one of the environmental pollutants. The levels are increasing due to industrialization. High levels of lead are found in people residing near lead smelters. Lead paints used at homes for painting resulted in high number of lead poisoning cases. Repainting of homes, scrubbing of the walls, giving out lead dust which if inhaled by the children can cause lead poisoning. Contamination through soil and water is also a commonest cause. Lead poisoning through water sources through old lead pipes and copper tapes People who are engaged in occupations like mining, fossil fuel production or burning are at high risk for developing lead poisoning.
Clinical presentation:
Acute poisoning of lead can present with nerve pain which are sharp, colicky pain in abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation and decrease urine output. Bluish discoloration of gums is seen. Dehydration, shock and renal damage can occur.
Gradual accumulation of lead in body leads to metallic taste in mouth, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, weakness, decrease libido, difficulty in sleep and it can also lead to anemia. Mental faculty is also affected. Delirium, hallucination, confusion, and cognitive defect can be seen. Memory loss also occurs. Chronic lead poisoning can result in complications like wrist drop, foot drop, coma, seizures and brain swelling (encephalopathy)Lead poisoning and lead toxicity are used interchangeably, as lead toxicity is more common which invariable leads to chronic lead poisoning.
Investigations:
Symptoms narrated by the patients or the relatives of the patient and local examination done by the doctor are helpful to come up to the diagnosis. Along with this a simple blood test is carried out which aids in confirmation of diagnosis. To know the extent of the damage occurred other investigations like urine routine, ultrasonongraphy, renal function test and liver function test can also be done.
Treatment:
Removal of the source of contamination is the first important step to be implemented.
Chelation therapy is the main line of treatment. In severe cases hospitalization is required. Steps for prevention should only applied at the individual level but also at the social level. Incharged authorities should implement steps for preventing lead poisoning. Good sanitation measures should be implemented. Replacement of old paints at home should be done by newer ones or by adopting method of encapsulation.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints
Recent updates:
Canadian and Tanzanian researchers have observed through a study that Children and pregnant women are protected against heavy metal exposure successfully by yogurt as it contains probiotic bacteria.
