Copper Poisoning Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, And IUD

Copper poisoning occurs when copper, a heavy metal and essential micronutrient, is ingested in large amounts, leading to toxic effects. Typically found in various household items like old copper coins, certain insecticides, fungicides, and copper pipes, excessive copper can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Symptoms of acute copper poisoning include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and jaundice, which manifest when large amounts of copper are consumed.

What makes copper poisonous?

List of food items that include copper

• Shellfish : Oysters and other molluscs are among the richest sources of copper.
• Nuts and Seeds : Cashews, walnuts, sunflower, and sesame seeds have high copper content.
• Whole Grains : Foods like whole wheat, barley, and quinoa are good sources of copper.
• Legumes : Lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans contain appreciable amounts of copper.
• Dark Chocolate : Contains significant levels of copper, along with other minerals.
• Organ Meats : The liver, especially beef and chicken, is rich in copper.
• Mushrooms : Shiitake mushrooms and other varieties provide a decent amount of copper.
• Dried Fruits : Prunes, raisins, and apricots are good snack options for a copper boost.
• Leafy Greens : Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard also contribute to your copper intake.
• Potatoes : Lovely potatoes and regular potatoes with the skin on.

What health issues are linked with copper poisoning?

• Wilson's Disease : This is a rare genetic disorder where copper builds up in the body's vital organs, particularly the liver and brain, due to the liver's inability to eliminate copper effectively.
• Liver Diseases : General hepatic disease can impair the liver's function, including its role in copper metabolism, which can lead to copper accumulation.
• Hepatitis-Related Anemia : This form of anemia is often seen in conjunction with liver conditions like hepatitis, which can disrupt the balance of copper in the body.
• Thyroid Disorders : Thyroid problems can interfere with the body's metabolic processes, including the handling of copper.
• Leukaemia : This type of cancer affects the blood cells and bone marrow and can be associated with imbalances in copper levels, as the body's standard regulatory mechanisms are disrupted.
• Lymphoma : Similar to leukaemia, lymphoma—a cancer of the lymphatic system—can also influence copper metabolism due to the extensive involvement of the immune system.
• Inflammatory Arthritis : Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis involve chronic inflammation and can alter copper metabolism, sometimes leading to elevated levels in the body.

What are the symptoms present in copper poisoning?

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms : Severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and sometimes vomiting blood.
• Systemic Issues : Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) indicating liver involvement.
• Neurological Effects : Dementia, involuntary movements, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
• Blood Disorders : Anemia and signs of kidney failure.
• Other Physical Signs : Headaches, fever, dizziness, and black stools indicating internal bleeding.
• Psychological Symptoms : Mood disturbances, including anxiety, depression, and sudden mood changes.

Can copper poisoning result from an IUD?

How can copper toxicity be diagnosed?

• Liver Biopsies : Small tissue samples from the liver are taken to examine the organ's ability to filter and process copper. This helps identify any damage or dysfunction caused by excess copper.
• Additional Blood Tests : Other blood tests may be conducted to measure levels of substances like vitamin B-12 and ceruloplasmin, which are related to copper metabolism and can provide insights into copper's impact on the body.
• Urine Tests : These tests assess how much copper is being excreted through urine, offering clues about how the body deals with the excess metal.

How can copper poisoning be treated?

• Chelation Therapy : This involves the administration of intravenous medications known as chelators. These drugs bind to the copper ions in your bloodstream, facilitating their transport to the kidneys, where they are filtered out and excreted in the urine.
• Gastric Lavage : Often referred to as "pumping the stomach," this procedure involves the removal of ingested copper using a suction tube, effectively clearing the stomach contents to prevent further absorption.
• Medication : Specific drugs are prescribed to counteract copper toxicity. Examples include Cuprimine (penicillamine) and dimercaprol, typically used alongside other therapies to enhance treatment efficacy.
• Hemodialysis involves extracting blood from the body and passing it through a machine that removes waste materials like kidneys. The cleaned blood is then returned to the body.