What diseases can mercury cause?

Sep 04, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, mercury exposure can cause conditions such as stomatitis, neurasthenia, acute glomerulonephritis, hepatitis, and uremia. Mercury poisoning may lead to stomatitis, typically presenting with symptoms like pain, swelling, and congestion. In addition, it can also cause gingivitis, contact dermatitis, and renal failure. Patients suspected of mercury poisoning are advised to seek prompt medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in treatment.

In general, mercury exposure can cause diseases such as stomatitis, neurasthenia, acute glomerulonephritis, hepatitis, and uremia. The details are as follows:

1. Stomatitis

Mercury poisoning may lead to stomatitis, typically presenting with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and congestion. Patients can take medications such as metronidazole tablets or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules under medical guidance.

2. Neurasthenia

Chronic mercury poisoning can continuously stimulate and damage the central nervous system due to toxic substances, resulting in neurasthenia, characterized by insomnia, vivid dreams, decreased memory, and slow reaction. Treatment may include medications such as mecobalamin capsules and vitamin B1 tablets, taken under a doctor's supervision.

3. Acute Glomerulonephritis

The kidneys are the primary organs for mercury excretion and accumulation, with approximately 80% of mercury stored in the kidneys. Once accumulated to a certain level, it can trigger acute glomerulonephritis. Patients may be treated with medications such as amoxicillin capsules or penicillin V potassium tablets under medical supervision. In severe cases, kidney transplantation may be required.

4. Hepatitis

Mercury is primarily metabolized through the liver. Excessive intake increases the liver's metabolic burden, potentially leading to hepatitis. Patients can be treated with medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets or bicyclol tablets under medical guidance.

5. Uremia

Prolonged inhalation of mercury due to various factors can lead to mercury poisoning, causing progressive kidney damage and ultimately uremia. Patients may take medications such as hai-kun shen-xi capsules or uremic clearance granules under medical supervision. In severe cases, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may be necessary.

In addition, mercury poisoning may also cause gingivitis, contact dermatitis, renal failure, and other conditions. Individuals suspected of mercury poisoning should seek prompt medical attention at a hospital to avoid disease progression.