© google mercury drops
© google
The severity of the poisoning depending upon the chemical form of mercury, the dose, duration of exposure, route of exposure and the general health of the exposed person. Mercury poisoning damages the central nervous system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal system, kidneys and brain.
Symptoms
Mercury ingestion causes:
· bloody diarrhoea and vomiting
· stomach burning
· metallic taste in mouth and bleeding gum
· emotional changes
· memory loss
· mental disturbances
· insomnia and headache
· weakness, muscle atropy (neuromuscular changes)
· impaired peripheral vision
· loss of coordination of movements
· impaired speech and hearing
· Impaired refluxes
· disturbed sensations
Long time or heavy exposure to mercury may result in brain damage and death.
Treatment
Treatment varies with the form of mercury poisoning. If the inorganic form of mercury is the reason of poisoning activated charcoal can be used to bind and inactivate the toxin along with aggressive gastric lavage. Further treatment is done with chelating agents. They bind with toxic forms and prevent it from binding to the tissue cells. Commonly used chelating agents are dimercaprol (BAL), DMSA, 2, 3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS), or D-penicillamine (DPCN).
The patient should drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhoea. Most of the toxic effects of mercury can be reversed by specific therapy. but prolonged exposure can do irreversible damage.
Conclusion
Mercury even in small amount is harmful to the body. Early treatment may reduce tissue damage and the neurological effects of the toxin. But usually the diagnosis is delayed. Delayed treatment will result in profound neurological deficits. It is always wiser to avoid exposure.