Oral Chelation for Lead Poisoning and its Risk in Children
Lead poisoning happens when there is an accumulation of lead in the body over the course of months or years. Irrespective of the amount of lead, its accumulation can lead to serious health concerns. Children who are younger than the age of six are more prone to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning has a drastic effect on the mental and physical development of an individual and at very high levels, it can even be fatal.
Paints with Lead in them or lead-contaminated dust in old buildings are some of the most common sources of lead poisoning in case of children. Some other sources of lead poisoning are contaminated water, air, and soil. People who work with batteries, those involved in home renovations or those who work in auto repair shops are also at a great risk of lead poisoning. Oral chelation for lead poisoning has turned out to be effective in most cases.
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
It is important to identify the first signs and symptoms of lead poisoning to give the appropriate treatment. Children wouldn’t be able to understand this on their own. Hence, as a parent, it becomes your responsibility to identify the reason behind anything that seems unusual with your child.
The signs of lead poisoning are:
- Irritability
- Development Delay
- Weight Loss
- Learning Difficulties
- Vomiting
- Hearing Loss
- Constipation
- Loss of Appetite
- Abdominal Pain
- Seizures
- Fatigue
- Sluggishness
Treatment for Lead Poisoning
Treatment of higher levels of lead in blood can be done by chelation therapy. With the best EDTA oral chelation therapy the lead accumulated in blood can be extracted.
Chelation therapy, whether you are an option for oral chelation for lead poisoning or the intravenous one, it is important to get it done under the supervision of a health professional.
Chelation therapy is recommended for only those who have a comparatively higher level of lead in their blood. If the lead hasn’t accumulated to severe amounts, even the withdrawal from lead-based environment can be helpful. Children who have smaller levels of lead in their blood can be treated by just cutting down their exposure.
One should take oral chelation for lead poisoning only when it has been recommended or prescribed by the healthcare professional. If there aren’t any severe amounts of Lead in the blood, do not opt for therapy, rather look for alternatives that are ideal for smaller levels of lead in blood.
