What is the most likely diagnosis
Correct Answer: Lead poisoning
Description: Lead Poisoning: Leadis a highly toxic metal and a very strong poison. Lead poisoning is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. It occurs when lead builds up in the body. Leadis found in lead-based paints, including paint on the walls of old houses and toys. It is also found in: a supplies contaminated dust gasoline products sold outside of the United States and Canada Lead poisoning usually occurs over a period of months or years. It can cause severe mental and physical impairment. Young children are most vulnerable. Children get lead in their bodies by putting the lead-containing objects in their mouths. Touching the lead and then putting their fingers in their mouths may also poison them. Lead is more harmful to children because their brains and nervous systems are still developing. Lead poisoning can be treated, but any damage caused cannot be reversed. Symptoms of lead poisoning are varied. They may affect many pas of the body. Most of the time, lead poisoning builds up slowly. It follows repeated exposures to small quantities of lead. Lead toxicity is rare after a single exposure or ingestion of lead. Signs of repeated lead exposure include: abdominal pain abdominal cramps aggressive behavior constipation sleep problems headaches irritability loss of developmental skills in children loss of appetite fatigue high blood pressure numbness or tingling in the extremities memory loss anemia kidney dysfunction Since a child's brain is still developing, lead can lead to intellectual disability. Symptoms may include: behavior problems low IQ poor grades at school problems with hearing sho- and long-term learning difficulties growth delays A high, toxic dose of lead poisoning may result in emergency symptoms. These include: severe abdominal pain and cramping vomiting muscle weakness stumbling when walking seizures coma encephalopathy, which manifests as confusion, coma, and seizures Ref Harrison 20th edition pg 790
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