Lead toxicity from Ayurvedic medications: a case report
Authors: Ethan Meisel , Ziad Kazzi , Brent Morgan , Rita Farah
Abstract
Background: Lead toxicity in adults is rare and often presents with vague symptoms leading to diagnostic uncertainty. Occupational exposure can guide the clinician toward the correct diagnosis, but when no exposure is identified, there may be a delay in identifying the condition. Case Presentation: We present a case of lead poisoning in a patient using Ayurvedic medicines. Ayurvedic medicine is a formal traditional medical system in India and South Asia with traditions dating back over 3,000 years. Ayurvedic medications, a component of Ayurvedic practice, are considered natural but can contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. Conclusion: Ayurvedic medications are an infrequent cause of lead poisoning, but this may increase as nontraditional, and natural medicines become more popular. Clinicians should consider the possibility of lead poisoning in patients who have used Ayurvedic medications and present with nonspecific symptoms.Keywords: Ayurvedic medications, case report, lead toxicity, heavy metals
Pubmed Style
Ethan Meisel, Ziad Kazzi, Brent Morgan, Rita Farah. Lead toxicity from Ayurvedic medications: a case report. SJE Med. 2023; 18 (May 2023): 134-136. doi:10.24911/SJEMed/72-1670295061
Publication History
Received: January 06, 2023
Accepted: January 29, 2023
Published: May 18, 2023
Authors
Ethan Meisel
Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Decatur, GA
Ziad Kazzi
Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Brent Morgan
Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Rita Farah
Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA.