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How do you treat lead poisoning?
In mild cases of poisoning, the “treatment” is just to find the source of lead (for example, paint, water, soil) and remove it so that no more lead enters the body. Some of the lead already in the body stays there. Some lead is slowly passed from the body in bowel movements and urine.
Eating foods that have iron and calcium helps to keep the body from absorbing more lead. See a description of useful foods and diet.
In serious cases of poisoning, the child or adult must receive chelation therapy. Chelation (pronounced key-lay-shun) drugs combine with the lead circulating in the blood and body tissues and help the body pass the lead out through the urine. If the patient’s blood lead level is very high, the chelation drugs usually have to be given in the hospital. Two common chelation drugs (EDTA and BAL) must be given by injection. Chemet (also called succimer or DMSA), a drug that can be given by mouth, is also commonly used.
If your child needs chelation treatment, it is important to keep your appointments for checkups and blood tests. Your doctor needs to watch your child closely during and after chelation therapy.
Chelation is not a cure for lead poisoning. Chelation helps prevent the patient from getting convulsions and going into a coma, by getting the lead out of the body quickly. It cannot undo damage that has already been done. And chelation treatment is effective only when the child is also removed from the source of the lead poisoning.
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After I get my children treated, how can I keep them from getting lead poisoned again?
The most important step to take is to find the sources of lead that are poisoning your child and remove them. Check your home, day care, or other places where your child spends time. Call your local health department for help.
Make sure that you take your child for regular follow-up blood tests. Frequent blood testing is the only way the doctor can tell if your child is getting better. Do not stop taking your child for checkups until the doctor tells you that your child’s blood lead test has returned to a less dangerous level.
Try to make sure your child eats well. Full stomachs absorb less lead. Empty stomachs absorb more lead, making the child sicker. Foods with a lot of iron and calcium are good and help protect the body against lead. Some iron-rich and calcium-rich foods are lean meats, tuna, beans, eggs, greens, raisins, milk, and cheese. Your doctor may recommend taking an iron pill.
Find out if you are eligible for Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare. These programs may cover the costs of your or your child’s treatment.
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