Iron Poisoning

Iron poisoning occurs when a person swallows too much iron, often from supplements. It mainly affects the digestive system and can cause severe damage to the stomach and intestines. The excess iron can also harm the liver, leading to serious health problems. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be bloody. If untreated, it can cause shock and even death due to organ failure. This condition is most common in children who accidentally ingest adult iron pills. Early recognition is important because the effects can worsen quickly.

Iron poisoning is a toxic condition caused by the ingestion of excessive amounts of elemental iron, typically from oral iron supplements. The core pathology involves iron-induced oxidative damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa and systemic toxicity from free iron circulating in the blood. Iron overload disrupts cellular metabolism by generating free radicals, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and multiorgan failure. The condition progresses through distinct stages, starting with gastrointestinal corrosion, followed by latent improvement, then systemic toxicity including metabolic acidosis, hepatic necrosis, and shock. It is a medical emergency due to the risk of rapid deterioration and death. Diagnosis and management require prompt recognition of clinical features and laboratory confirmation.