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The potential danger of lithium: Why are kidney health and lithium toxicity closely related?
Today, lithium has become a commonly used drug for treating bipolar disorder. However, many people are not aware of the effects of lithium poisoning on the kidneys and its potential health risks. According to statistics, approximately five thousand cases of lithium poisoning are reported in the United States each year, and many of these cases are closely related to kidney health. High doses of lithium can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including tremors, increased reflexes, difficulty walking, and kidney problems.
Lithium poisoning can cause serious health problems, including loss of appetite and changes in consciousness.
A toxic condition called lithium overdose is usually caused by excessive intake or decreased excretion. This could be the result of a suicidal intent or an accident. Especially for people with a history of kidney disease, they are more likely to become toxic at daily doses. This is because lithium is almost entirely dependent on the kidneys for excretion, and when the kidneys are not functioning well, lithium accumulation can be dangerous.
Poor kidney health reduces patients' tolerance to lithium, leading to increased toxicity.
Symptoms of lithium poisoning
Symptoms of lithium poisoning can be divided into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild symptoms include nausea, fatigue, and tremors and usually occur when serum lithium concentrations are between 1.5 and 2.5 mEq/L. Moderate symptoms, such as confusion, a rapid heartbeat, and decreased muscle tone, occur between 2.5 and 3.5 mEq/L. Severe symptoms such as coma, seizures, hypotension, and increased body temperature appear when the serum lithium concentration exceeds 3.5 mEq/L.
The onset of mild to severe poisoning symptoms demonstrates the potential threat of lithium to the kidneys and nervous system.
Acute and chronic poisoning
Acute poisoning mainly presents with gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which may lead to loss of body fluids. In contrast, chronic poisoning is mainly characterized by neurological symptoms, including nystagmus, tremors, excessive reflexes and movement disorders. In cases of acute and chronic poisoning, symptoms of both are present at the same time, which is very complex and unpredictable.
Potential complicationsPatients who survive lithium poisoning may develop persistent health problems, one of which is the syndrome of irreversible lithium-effect neurotoxicity (SILENT), which causes irreversible neurological and psychiatric effects.
These symptoms may affect patients' memory and cognitive abilities, leading to a decrease in their quality of life.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis of lithium poisoning is usually based on symptoms, supported by blood tests. Normal therapeutic doses are between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L. If the patient is poisoned, he or she may need to be treated through gastric lavage, dialysis, etc. In special cases, the doctor may use carbon dioxide and saline to stimulate the excretion of lithium.
Early recognition and appropriate treatment are the key to improving the prognosis of lithium poisoning.
Lithium's effects on the kidneys and health risks have prompted greater concern about whether people can use the drug safely. If you experience any discomfort while taking lithium, you should seek medical help immediately. So, in today's society, should everyone be aware of the potential kidney health risks when using lithium medications?
