Symptoms of Zinc Poisoning
Uncategorized
There have been numerous reports of people experiencing paralysis, developing numbness, tingling in hands, loss of sensation or unexplained pain and muscle weakness in legs and arms, as well as numerous other neurological problems as a possible result of the zinc in Super Poligrip, Fixodent and other denture creams. Exposure to excess zinc can cause paralysis, unexplained pain and muscle weakness, numbness, loss of sensation or other neurological symptoms. Denture cream users who experience such symptoms should consult their doctor. Typical symptoms of zinc poisoning include:
Numbness and Tingling:
Zinc poisoning can lead to conditions called paresthesias and dysesthesias. Paresthesias leads to feelings of numbness, tingling, pinching, sharp, deep stabs, electric shocks, or buzzing in the arms and legs. Dysesthesias refers to unpleasant abnormal sensations that occur when a patient touches something.
Impaired Sense of Position:
Because of the numbness in their feet, victims of zinc poisoning may lack coordination when walking.
“Glove and Stocking Sensation”:
Patients may have a feeling of wearing stockings or gloves or slippers even though their hands and feet are completely bare.
Weakness in the Arms or Legs:
The copper deficiency that accompanies zinc poisoning can damage the nerves leading to the legs and arms. This can cause difficulty walking or running, and a feeling of “heaviness” in the legs. These symptoms can make walking and other daily functions quite difficult.
Diagnosis that may be determined due to Zinc Poisoning
Dysesthesias
Dysesthesias refers to unpleasant abnormal sensations that occur when a patient touches something, or is exposed to some other type of stimulus. Dysesthesias is associated with lesions of the peripheral or central nervous system, and causes patients to feel burning, wetness, itching, electric shock, “pins and needles” and other uncomfortable sensations in their extremities, especially their hands and feet.
Paresthesias
Paresthesias leads to feelings of numbness, tingling, pinching, sharp, deep stabs, electric shocks, or buzzing in the arms and legs. While the symptoms of parenthesis are similar to dysesthesias, a patient with paresthesias does not have to come in contact with a stimulus in order to experience its symptoms. Other types of paresthesias include feelings of cold, warmth, burning, itching, and skin crawling.
Copper Deficiency
Exposure to excess zinc inhibits the absorption of copper. Fatigue, paleness, skin sores, edema, slowed growth, hair loss, anorexia, diarrhea and dermatitis can be symptoms of copper deficiency. Copper deficiency can also affect the immune and cardiovascular systems. The condition also can cause reduced red blood cell function and reduced red blood cell life span, which can lead to impaired energy levels and cause weakness and labored respiration from decreased oxygen delivery.
Anemia
One of the more common blood disorders, anemia occurs when the level of healthy red blood cells in the body becomes too low. This can lead to health problems, including fatigue and impaired bodily organs, because red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body’s tissues.
NeuropathySevere zinc poisoning can lead to neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves. Symptoms of neuropathy vary, but may include numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms; a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands; unexplained pain in the extremities; a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance; or a change or decrease in walking stride. Severe neuropathy can even lead to abnormal blood pressure and heart rate, reduced ability to perspire, constipation, bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction.
These neurological problems caused by excess exposure to zinc contained in denture creams can be devastating. In some cases, patients suffering from zinc poisoning have been confined to wheelchairs. Tests for zinc levels in the blood can determine quickly if a zinc overdose is to blame.
Severe zinc poisoning can lead to neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves. Symptoms of neuropathy vary, but may include numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms; a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands; unexplained pain in the extremities; a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance; or a change or decrease in walking stride. Severe neuropathy can even lead to abnormal blood pressure and heart rate, reduced ability to perspire, constipation, bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction.
Bookmarks