Arsenic poisoning is caused when a person ingests excessive amounts of the toxic substance. Through this article, we intend to make you aware of the signs & symptoms of arsenic.

Symptoms Of Arsenic Poisoning

Whether it is the mysterious murder in a Jeffrey Archer novel or the alleged death of Napolean Bonaparte or even the murders seen in reel life, arsenic has made its presence felt everywhere. Arsenic is a very toxic substance that is found in food, water and household items. It can be present in items like tobacco smoke, laundry detergent, bone meal, sea food, beer and, at times, even in drinking water. When a person absorbs excessive amounts of arsenic, it leads to the condition known as arsenic poisoning. The presence of arsenic in food items is also found. For instance, apples have arsenic in their seeds. Therefore, those who consume even the seeds of an apple are doing nothing, but depositing arsenic in their body parts. The other food items that have arsenic in small amounts are seafood, water, bone meal, dolomite, kelp, table salt, and beer.
 
Arsenic can be found in different places and is mostly used for killing pests such as rats and mice. This toxic substance deposits itself in the hair, nails and skin of a person, leading to many health problems. The result can range form damage to the lungs, skin, kidneys and liver to the development of certain types of cancer. People who work in factory that produces pesticides are at greater risk of developing the problem. Other jobs that can cause arsenic poisoning are copper smelting, mining, sheep dipping and metallurgical industries. Continuous exposure to arsenic can cause arsenic deposits in the body system. Remember, the more exposed you are, the greater would be the consequence. In the following lines, we have provided the signs and symptoms of arsenic poisoning. 
 
Signs & Symptoms of Arsenic Poisoning
 
Acute Poisoning 
  • Burning pain
  • Dehydration
  • Delirium
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty of speech
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dryness and tightness in the throat
  • Dysphasia
  • Excessive saliva production
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Hoarseness
  • Hair loss
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • Muscle cramps
  • Pulmonary oedema
  • Renal failure
  • Retching
  • Seizures
  • Sparkling red eyes
  • Stomach pains
  • Tenderness and pressure
  • Tenesmus
  • Thirst
  • Throat constriction
  • Vomiting 
Chronic Poisoning 
  • Anemia
  • Change in fingernails pigmentation
  • Chills
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Confusion
  • Constant Headache
  • Convulsions
  • Drowsiness
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Psychological disturbances
  • Thickened skin on palms
  • Weakness 
Treatment
Early treatment is quintessential for treating arsenic poisoning. An effective way to do so would be by increasing the consumption of sulfur. Sulfur is believed to help eliminate arsenic contents from the body. So, a diet rich in eggs, beans, legumes and garlic is mostly advised. These are potential detoxifiers and have the ability to get rid of arsenic in the body. People diagnosed with arsenic poisoning should have plenty of fiber every day. However, if the presence of arsenic in the body has been there since long, oxygen therapy, chelation therapy, saunas and other methods used for detoxification of heavy metals are best bet. As per research, selenium is believed to help decrease the effects of arsenic.

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