It is common for children exhibiting symptoms to be misdiagnosed with other childhood illnesses. The similarities of the symptoms are often the cause for this misdiagnosis. Complicating matters further, most children are actually asymptomatic. A child suffering from lead poisoning may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Sluggish behavior
• Headaches
• Tremors
• Early periods
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Abdominal cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Irritability
• Hyperactive behavior
• Stomachaches
• Muscle weakness

It is important that all children get tested for lead poisoning, specifically, children ages one and two. Testing for lead poisoning is simple. Doctors take a finger prick blood test and analyze the sample to determine what the level of lead elevation is. A less common way to test for elevated lead levels is through an x-ray of the teeth and bones; however, x-rays are costly and usually not readily available. Once the level of lead in the blood is determined, your physician will discuss the treatment options available.

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