Two Faces of Arsenic Poisoning Arsenic poisoning can manifest in two primary ways, depending on the level and duration of exposure: Acute Ar...
Two Faces of Arsenic Poisoning
Arsenic poisoning can manifest in two primary ways, depending on the level and duration of exposure:
Acute Arsenic Poisoning: This occurs after exposure to a high dose of arsenic over a short period. Symptoms are often dramatic and can appear rapidly, usually within minutes to hours.
Chronic Arsenic Poisoning: This results from long-term exposure to lower levels of arsenic. Symptoms tend to develop gradually over weeks, months, or even years, making it potentially harder to pinpoint the cause initially.
Symptoms of Arsenic Poisoning
The symptoms of arsenic poisoning can vary widely depending on whether it's acute or chronic, the amount of arsenic involved, and individual factors.
Symptoms of Acute Arsenic Poisoning
If a large amount of arsenic is ingested, symptoms can be severe and sudden. Think of it as your body sounding immediate, loud alarms. These can include:
Severe gastrointestinal distress: This is often the first and most prominent sign. Think intense nausea, vomiting (sometimes with blood), abdominal pain, and severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea (often described as "rice-water" stools).
- Dehydration: Due to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Muscle cramps and weakness.
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (paresthesia).
- Garlic-like odor on breath or sweat. (This is a classic, though not always present, sign).
- Low blood pressure (hypotension) and shock.
- Seizures.
- Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmias).
- Confusion, drowsiness, or delirium.
- In severe cases, coma and death can occur rapidly.
Symptoms of Chronic Arsenic Poisoning
Chronic exposure to arsenic leads to a more insidious onset of symptoms, which can be easily mistaken for other conditions. The poison accumulates in the body over time, slowly damaging various organs. Be aware of:
Skin changes: This is a hallmark of long-term arsenic exposure. Look for:
Darkening or discoloration of the skin (hyperpigmentation), often in a "raindrop" pattern.
Thickening and hardening of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (hyperkeratosis).
Skin lesions or warts.
Mee's lines (transverse white lines on the fingernails).
Persistent digestive issues: Mild, ongoing abdominal discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea.
Neurological symptoms:
- Numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy).
- Headaches.
- Confusion or memory problems.
Fatigue and weakness.
Increased risk of certain cancers: Long-term exposure is linked to cancers of the skin, bladder, lung, kidney, and liver.
Other potential effects: Liver and kidney damage, heart disease, diabetes, and developmental problems in children exposed prenatally or in early childhood.
