What are the symptoms of mercury poisoning?
Nov 21, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Mercury poisoning, commonly referred to as mercury toxicity, occurs when the body ingests or comes into contact with excessive amounts of mercury. Symptoms of mercury poisoning generally include neurological symptoms, oral symptoms, digestive system symptoms, kidney damage, and skin manifestations. If experiencing any physical discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.
Mercury poisoning, commonly referred to as mercury intoxication, is a poisoning phenomenon caused by the ingestion or exposure to excessive amounts of mercury. Under normal circumstances, symptoms of mercury poisoning mainly include neurological symptoms, oral symptoms, digestive system symptoms, kidney damage, and skin symptoms. If physical discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended, and treatment should be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Neurological symptoms: Mercury poisoning can damage the nervous system, causing symptoms such as headache and dizziness. Additionally, mercury poisoning may affect sleep quality, leading to insomnia and vivid dreams.
2. Oral symptoms: In the early stages of mercury poisoning, patients may experience a metallic taste in the mouth. Mercury is corrosive to oral mucous membranes and can cause stomatitis, manifesting as burning pain in the mouth and throat.
3. Digestive system symptoms: Mercury poisoning can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It may also lead to digestive system symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, and in some cases, gastrointestinal bleeding may occur.
4. Kidney damage: Prolonged exposure to mercury may cause kidney damage, manifested as proteinuria and hematuria. Mercury poisoning increases the metabolic burden on the kidneys, impairing their detoxification and excretion functions, which can ultimately lead to reduced kidney function.
5. Skin symptoms: Mercury poisoning may cause redness, swelling, itching, and other symptoms in the skin at the contact site. Under the stimulation of mercury, the skin may develop rashes, blisters, and other allergic reactions.
In daily life, it is important to avoid contact with mercury-containing substances, such as used batteries, fluorescent light tubes, and others, to prevent mercury poisoning.
