There are so many symptoms of mercury poisoning

Mercury, also commonly known as quicksilver, is highly toxic. Long-term inhalation of mercury vapor or intake of large amounts of mercury through food can cause symptoms of mercury poisoning in the human body, seriously endangering human health. So what are the symptoms of mercury poisoning in daily life? Most people don't really understand this. In fact, the symptoms of mercury poisoning can be roughly divided into three situations, among which acute mercury poisoning is the most common.

1. Acute mercury poisoning

(1) Systemic symptoms

Metallic taste in the mouth, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, body aches, chills, fever (38-39℃); in severe cases, emotional agitation, irritability, insomnia, and even convulsions, coma, or mental disorders.

(2) Respiratory manifestations

Cough, sputum, chest pain, dyspnea, cyanosis, auscultation may reveal varying degrees of dry or wet gurgling sounds or weakened breath sounds in both lungs.

(3) Gastrointestinal manifestations

Gingival swelling and pain, erosion, bleeding, oral mucosal ulcers, loose teeth, drooling, "mercurial line", lip and cheek mucosal ulcers, abnormal liver function and liver enlargement. Oral poisoning may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucus or bloody stools. In severe cases, gastrointestinal perforation may lead to generalized peritonitis, shock may occur due to dehydration, and liver damage may occur in some cases.

(4) Toxic nephropathy

Due to necrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, edema, anuria, azotemia, hyperkalemia, acidosis, uremia, etc. will generally occur after taking mercury salts orally for several hours or inhaling high-concentration mercury vapor for 2 to 3 days, until acute renal failure and life-threatening. People who are allergic to mercury may experience hematuria, eosinophilia, and systemic allergic symptoms. Some patients may develop acute glomerulonephritis, and severe cases may have hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, and acute renal failure (ARF).

(5) Skin manifestations

It usually appears 2 to 3 days after poisoning and is a red maculopapular rash. Early on, it appears on the limbs, head and face, and then spreads throughout the body, where it may fuse into flakes or ulcers, and become infected and accompanied by swollen lymph nodes throughout the body. In severe cases, exfoliative dermatitis may occur.

2. Subacute mercury poisoning

It is common in cases of oral administration, application of mercury-containing folk remedies, and inhalation of mercury vapor concentrations that are not very high (0.5-1.0 mg/m3), and the disease usually occurs 1 to 4 weeks after exposure to mercury. The clinical manifestations are similar to those of acute mercury poisoning, but to a lesser degree. However, symptoms such as hair loss, insomnia, nightmares, and three tremors (eyelids, tongue, and fingers) may be seen. It can usually be cured after discontinuation and treatment for a few weeks.

3. Chronic mercury poisoning

(1) Neuropsychiatric symptoms

There are symptoms of mental weakness such as dizziness, headache, insomnia, frequent dreams, forgetfulness, fatigue, lack of appetite, frequent palpitations, sweating, positive skin scratch test, menstrual disorders (female), and then mood and personality changes, such as irritability, moodiness, irritability, crying, timidity, shyness, depression, withdrawal, suspicion, inattention, and even hallucinations, delusions and other mental symptoms.

(2) Stomatitis

In the early stages, the gums will be swollen, sore, and easy to bleed, the oral mucosa will be ulcerated, the salivary glands will be swollen, the saliva will be increased, and there will be bad breath, followed by gum atrophy, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Those with poor oral hygiene may have "mercury lines" (mercury secreted by the salivary glands combines with hydrogen sulfide produced by the decay of oral residues to form mercury sulfide that is deposited under the gingival mucosa, forming a blue-black line about 1 mm long).

(3) Tremor

At first, the hands tremble with inaccurate position and intention when threading a needle, writing, and holding chopsticks, and gradually develop to the limbs. The patient's eating, dressing, walking, cycling, and climbing are affected, and there are difficulties in pronunciation and articulation. The tremor is relatively relieved when doing habitual work or not being noticed. Electromyography may show peripheral nerve damage.

(4) Renal manifestations

It is generally not obvious, but a few may experience low back pain, proteinuria, and red blood cells may be seen in urine microscopy. Clinical cases of tubular nephritis, glomerulonephritis, and nephrotic syndrome are rare. Generally, recovery can be achieved after removal of mercury and treatment. Some patients may have enlarged liver and abnormal liver function.