Home

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Erectile Dysfunction

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Doctor123.org

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Lead Poisoning Discharge Instructions, Child


About this topic


Lead is everywhere. It is in the air, dirt, soil, water, and in some old paints. Lead is harmful to children. It can make your child very sick, leading to very bad health problems. It may not show any signs but could affect a normal childs growth, brain progress, and nervous system. The younger your child is, the greater the risk. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


Getting rid of the lead in your house is the most important treatment. ‚  
  • Look for the sources of lead that caused your childs poisoning. The major risk is from leaded paint. Household dust in homes built before 1975 is a source of lead. Drinking water from lead water pipes may cause higher lead levels. Eating food from poorly glazed ceramic containers may also be a source of lead.
  • Have other people living within the same household with your child tested for lead.
  • Keep your home dust-free and clean.
  • Throw out storage containers made from lead crystal or poorly glazed pottery.
  • Wash your hands and your child's hands often.

What follow-up care is needed?


Have your child tested often for blood lead levels. The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


  • A drug that binds to the lead and takes it from the body may be needed. This is most often given by mouth.
  • The doctor may give your child iron, calcium, and vitamin C. This may prevent your child from absorbing more lead. It may also treat nutrition problems.

Will physical activity be limited?


Your child can go back to normal activities. Be sure to keep your child away from lead sources. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Give your child a healthy diet.
  • Do not give fried and fatty foods to your children.

What problems could happen?


  • Belly pain
  • Low blood count
  • Hearing problems
  • Hyperactivity
  • Attention deficit
  • Lower IQ
  • Kidney damage
  • Seizures
  • Serious brain problems

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Get your children tested for lead at least once a year.
  • Keep your child away from lead containing paint until repairs are made.
  • Throw away containers that may contain lead.
  • Be sure your childs toys are lead-free.
  • If you have lead water pipes, let water flow from the faucet for a minute before drinking.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Call your doctor if you have any concern about your childs condition.
  • Health problem is not better or your child is feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my childs condition.
  • I can tell you ways to get rid of lead from my home.
  • I can tell you what I will do if my child is not feeling better or is feeling worse.

Where can I learn more?


KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/lead_poisoning.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚  
Copyright © 2016 - 2017
Doctor123.org | Disclaimer