1 week Ago By Ashima Sharda Mahindra
Doctors in a Delhi hospital saved the life of a toddler after he swallowed mercury from a broken thermometer. According to experts from HCMCT Manipal Hospital, initially, there were no signs of pain or vomiting, making it hard to determine if the two-year-old had even ingested the hazardous and toxic metal. Doctors said they gave the child laxatives, but an X-ray showed mercury throughout the bowel.
Finally, Dr. Sufla Saxena and her team performed an urgent colonoscopy and bowel lavage to remove the mercury. Doctors said the child was discharged the next day, and a follow-up X-ray confirmed the mercury was cleared, avoiding further treatment.
How was the procedure conducted? According to doctors, while they were trying to flush out mercury, it was located throughout the large bowel and at the tip of the appendix. A comprehensive bowel lavage was conducted to flush out the mercury from the colon. With early diagnosis and opting for the procedures at the right time, we were able to prevent the dangerous effects of mercury exposure and ensure the child's recovery without complications.
This case highlights the important role of timely and advanced pediatric care in managing toxic exposures," Dr. Saxena, Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, told ANI. What is mercury poisoning? According to experts, mercury poisoning refers to toxicity from the consumption of mercury - a toxic metal that you may come into contact with through a variety of ways.
This includes consuming certain types of seafood and wearing certain types of jewellery. The most common cause of mercury poisoning is from consuming too much methylmercury or organic mercury, which is linked to eating seafood. Mercury itself naturally occurs, but the amount of mercury in the environment has been on the rise due to industrialization.
The metal can make its way into soil and water, and eventually into animals like fish. Signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning According to the FDA, mercury poisoning usually leads to severe neurological effects, and a few deadly symptoms include: Anxiety Depression Memory issues Numbness of the hands and feet Tremors Cognition issues in children Hearing and speech difficulties Vision changes Speech and language issues in kids Doctors advise pregnant or nursing women should avoid eating fish with high levels of mercury. Mercury can also be passed to a developing fetus in the womb or to a child through breast milk.
What are the complications of mercury poisoning? According to experts, mercury in your body can cause long-term and permanent neurological changes. The dangers are especially notable in young children who are still developing. Exposure to this metal also leads to developmental issues in the brain, which affects physical functions like motor skills.
Some children who are exposed to mercury at a young age may develop learning disabilities, like: Permanent brain damage Permanent kidney damage Heart failure Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world..
