Bismuth poisoning

Ingestion in large quantities, excessive medical use, or long-term application of bismuth can cause poisoning. Bismuthpoisoning in children is mostly caused by bismuth nitrate application in the treatment of diarrhea. Due to the action of intestinal bacteria, bismuth hyponitrite can be oxidized to nitrite, so double poisoning symptoms of bismuth and nitrite can occur. The lethal dose of oral bismuth hyponitrate in children is about 3 to 5 g. Intravenous or intramuscular injections of soluble bismuth salts can cause acute poisoning. Insoluble bismuth salts (such as bismuth hypocarbonate, etc.) are often used as internal medicines or external preparations for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Although they are absorbed in small amounts, they can also cause bismuth poisoning if they are used in large or long-term. Colic liver oil and bismuth are applied repeatedly for lactating women due to nipple rupture. Babies can be poisoned by sucking a large amount.

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