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Are Weakness, Hair Loss And Mouth Redness And Soreness Symptoms Of Arsenic Poisoning?

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Posted on Wed, 6 Jan 2016
Question: think have been poisoned arsenic or other, weak, hair lose, mouth red sore,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (53 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Diagnosis is blood and urine tests

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

If you have reason to believe that you have been poisoned by arsenic or some other substance, please go to a clinic (or ER if you are suddenly quite sick) to have blood and urine tests done. These are accurate for diagnosing the presence of arsenic. Toxicology is a fairly accurate science now, so you should be able to have an answer.

Weakness, hair loss, and mouth redness and soreness can be from other things too such as certain kinds of anemia, hormonal problems, and vitamin deficiencies. So a good history and physical exam by your primary doctor would be in order. When you go in for the blood and urine tests for possible arsenic (or other substance) poisoning, ask if they will also do a CBC (complete blood count to look for anemia or other blood abnormalities), vitamin B12 level, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone level), and possibly other tests depending on your history and exam.

Arsenic poisoning is extremely rare, but if you think it is possible, do take action.

I hope this information helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (20 hours later)
have test that ordered use @ home. If anemic what should I do. Take several supplements b12,digestive complex, hair support formula, biotin, probiotic, ultra women's high potency dietary supplement, see my GP soon did a DNA ..arsenic stated cut off @ 5 ????what dose that show? Thanks XXXXXXX XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Could you please clarify? Thanks.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

About possible anemia: The treatment will depend on the type of anemia. Start with a CBC and B12 level (even if you take oral vitamin B12). If the hemoglobin level is low, then iron studies are the next step, and looking for a source of bleeding (usually gastrointestinal). If B12 is low, and if supplements are not enough, then shots are the next step.

You wrote:
see my GP soon did a DNA ..arsenic stated cut off @ 5

I am not sure what this sentence means. Could you please write more, explaining each?

Did you already do the arsenic test and your value was over 5 and the instructions stated that a value of over 5 is toxic? I am not sure what has transpired, so please write more information. Thanks
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Are Weakness, Hair Loss And Mouth Redness And Soreness Symptoms Of Arsenic Poisoning?

Brief Answer: Diagnosis is blood and urine tests Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, If you have reason to believe that you have been poisoned by arsenic or some other substance, please go to a clinic (or ER if you are suddenly quite sick) to have blood and urine tests done. These are accurate for diagnosing the presence of arsenic. Toxicology is a fairly accurate science now, so you should be able to have an answer. Weakness, hair loss, and mouth redness and soreness can be from other things too such as certain kinds of anemia, hormonal problems, and vitamin deficiencies. So a good history and physical exam by your primary doctor would be in order. When you go in for the blood and urine tests for possible arsenic (or other substance) poisoning, ask if they will also do a CBC (complete blood count to look for anemia or other blood abnormalities), vitamin B12 level, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone level), and possibly other tests depending on your history and exam. Arsenic poisoning is extremely rare, but if you think it is possible, do take action. I hope this information helps.