Used in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning, magnesium has its own toxicity levels, often resulting from the overuse of antacids or laxatives. In most people, magnesium is stored in small quantities in the kidneys with excess amounts passing out of the body through the urine. Occasionally, the consumption of magnesium-rich products is so extensive that magnesium poisoning occurs.
Instructions
1. Suspect magnesium poisoning in high-risk patients when certain symptoms are present after chronic overuse of antacids, laxatives or an excessive use of enemas. This condition known as hypermagnesemia, damage to internal organs may result without prompt treatment.
2. Monitor the loss of body fluids if diarrhea is ongoing and the patient complains of abdominal pain or lower back pain. In some patients, especially the elderly, the kidneys do not excrete magnesium efficiently and a toxic level occurs in the body.
3. Schedule blood tests to determine the level of magnesium present if the patient uses narcotic drugs. The use of these narcotics, in addition to the overuse of antihistamines or muscle relaxants may lead to kidney dysfunction and result in magnesium poisoning if the kidneys fail to pass the excess out of the body through the urine.
4. Make a note of respiratory problems that occur if the patient is already suffering from kidney malfunction. Labored breathing, with or without abdominal pain, signifies the possible presence of magnesium toxicity. This is a medical emergency and the patient must seek medical care promptly.
5. Observe bloating in the abdomen, the ankles and the lower legs when magnesium poisoning is present. In some patients, hypermagnesemia promotes water retention and swelling. Your doctor will prescribe a diuretic in order to flush the excess magnesium from your system.
Tags: magnesium poisoning, abdominal pain, antacids laxatives, body through, body through urine