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Lead Colic.Another source of lead poisoning is in the use of powders and cosmetics for toilet purposes. It has been induced by the use of flour which had been ground on stones containing lead. Some years ago a local epidemic of lead colic was observed in New Or leans and traced to the presence of lead contained in soda water. Symptoms.-The patient is usually ill for a considerable time before the colic is manifested. He becomes pallid, loses appetite, strength and flesh. He has a metallic taste in the mouth, and the breath emits a peculiar fetid odor. He becomes afflicted with obsti nate constipation, and suffers pain in the abdomen, which is at first slight, but gradually increases in intensity, so as to become the most prominent symptom. The pain is generally felt around the navel, but may shoot to the back, the sides, and the hips. The intensity of the pain varies at different times, being sometimes dull and aching and at other times sharp and spasmodic in character. During the latter occasions the abdomen is usually hard and tense, perhaps tender. There is nausea and vomiting. The patient often expe riences relief during these attacks of colic by gentle pressure upon the abdomen, and is therefore apt to lie upon the breast, with a pillow or other article placed under the abdomen. Under proper treatment the first attack of lead colic usually subsides without leaving any permanent injury ; but if the patient resume the employment or the habit which occasions exposure to the lead, the symptoms are apt to recur in an aggravated form. The strength fails rapidly. There is a blue line along the gums at the roots of the teeth. Paralysis is manifested in certain of the muscles, especially those of the forearm, as a result of which the patient is un able to extend the hand. The hand, therefore, hangs loosely from the wrist, a condition which is known as drop-wrist. This occurs more frequently upon the right side than upon the left. Subsequently various other muscles, the legs as well as the arms, may become paralyzed. In severe cases there occur symptoms indicating dis ease of the brain - delirium, convulsions, stupor. Treatment.-To relieve the pain occurring during the parox ysms, the same general measures are useful which have been de scribed in the treatment of ordinary colic. Yet in lead colic opium has a much more important part than in the other, since the drug not only diminishes the pain, but also relaxes the spasmodic con traction of the intestine. In fact, opium is' absolutely necessary in the treatment of this disease. Next most important is the iodide of potassium, which may be given in doses of five to ten grains every four hours. If the lead poisoning have come on in a short time, the sulphate of magnesia will exert a good effect ; otherwise it will be unnecessary. Under the use of opium and the iodide of potassium the more acute symptoms, including the colic and the intestinal derange ment, will subside ; in treating the paralysis, however, it will be often necessary to resort to electricity. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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