1. Watch for Vomiting Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain
Early signs of iron poisoning can point to a number of causes. You may experience gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and drowsiness. In serious cases, the stomach may bleed and your breathing and heart rate may increase. Many other poisons exhibit similar symptoms, so you should take steps to isolate the cause and seek help. If a child has been poisoned, ask him if he has taken any pills recently. Iron poisoning in children commonly occurs when they think the pills are candy and swallow dangerous amounts.
2. Symptoms May Stop for a Time
Iron poisoning follows four stages, the second of which is deceptive. Early symptoms will seem to vanish and you may feel better. This takes place between 8 to 24 hours after the initial poisoning. Don't be fooled. If you think iron poisoning is involved, contact a poison center or a hospital. Even if you think you're getting better or you don't think it's iron poisoning, it pays to be safe.
3. Symptoms Worsen Within a Day or So
The third stage of iron poisoning takes place 6 to 48 hours after you have ingested the mineral. Symptoms get much worse. Low blood pressure may lead to shock, bleeding will increase, and your body may undergo seizures as internal organs are damaged. Jaundice may appear as your skin and/or eyes take on an unhealthy yellowish tone and your blood sugar levels may drop. This stage can have serious repercussions, including coma and unconsciousness. If you have not done so already, get to an emergency room immediately.
4. Look Out for Damage to Internal Organs
During the fourth stage of iron poisoning, scarring and build-up may block the gastrointestinal tract. Cirrhosis of the liver may take place as the poisoning damages the organ and other organs may be affected as well. This may take place weeks after the initial poisoning and hospital treatment is imperative at this stage.
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