1. Know the Symptoms
Bismuth is like a lot of other poisons such as mercury and arsenic in that it is an element. That makes it tricky to treat because you can't break it down into a safer form. It usually enters the body through bismuth chelate, which is used to treat nausea, diarrhea and indigestion. The most obvious symptom of an overdose is the "bismuth line," which is a dark line near the gums. It can also cause headaches and rashes. At high levels, it begins interfering with the kidneys, causing you to retain water and gain weight. Your ankles may begin swelling and waste products will build up in your blood. A simple blood test from a doctor can spot this, though usually one is administered only after bismuth has built up in your system for some time.
2. Apply Gastric Lavage, But Only Early On
Gastric lavage is usually performed in a hospital. The doctor inserts a tube into your stomach through the nose and clears out any substances in there with water or a saline solution. In the case of bismuth poisoning, it works only in the earliest stages--a few hours after ingesting the poison. Bismuth shows up on X-rays and can be spotted if the doctor moves quickly. After the early period passes, however, gastric lavage is much less effective. The bismuth has already been absorbed into your body by then.
3. Perform Blood and Liver Tests
A blood test can determine the levels of bismuth in your body and how best to treat poisoning. A liver function test determines the extent of damage to your liver and kidneys and can help the doctor decide what treatments to apply to them.
4. Undergo Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy means administering drugs which bond to the bismuth and render it less poisonous. It can then pass out of your body in your urine or feces without being absorbed. It's used to treat a lot of poisons, but in the case of bismuth, it's only necessary in extreme cases. In less deadly cases, the doctor can basically treat the symptoms, replace your fluid levels if they run low, and monitor your vital signs to make sure you're recovering. Chelation therapy for bismuth usually entails penicillamine, which goes by the trade names Cuprimine or Depen.
