What Are the Symptoms of Human Salt Poisoning?

Salt is an important seasoning for food and the main source of iodine. However, it is not necessary to consume too much salt, as excessive intake can lead to poisoning. In the case of salt poisoning, patients may exhibit symptoms such as intense thirst, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Severe salt poisoning can lead to severe dehydration and even cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is important to control salt intake to maintain good health.

Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and general weakness are common symptoms. In severe cases, there can be damage to multiple organs, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and blood system. Cardiac involvement can lead to chest tightness, shortness of breath, decreased blood pressure, respiratory difficulty, and even cardiac arrest. Liver involvement can manifest as elevated transaminase levels, jaundice, abnormal coagulation function, hypoglycemia, and increased lactic acid. Renal involvement can result in oliguria, anuria, and generalized edema, as well as hyperkalemia. Hematological involvement can lead to bone marrow suppression, secondary hemorrhage, and severe infection.

Firstly, strictly control the salt content in animal feed, especially for chicks. Secondly, provide sufficient unsalted water. Overdosage of salt in livestock can lead to poisoning. The acute toxic dose for pigs, horses, and cattle is 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight, while for sheep it is 6 grams. The minimum lethal dose for chickens is 4 grams. Clinically, poisoning in pigs and poultry is more common. Long-term feeding with salty sauce residue or leftover food from canteens are common causes of poisoning. Insufficient water intake also plays a significant role. In many cases of chronic poisoning, although the salt content in the diet is normal, poisoning can still occur due to long-term water shortage. High concentrations of salt have osmotic and irritating effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to diarrhea and gastroenteritis. It can also increase the concentration of sodium ions in the blood and plasma osmotic pressure, causing cell dehydration, increased interstitial fluid, and edema. In particular, the exudation of intracellular fluid in brain cells can have severe consequences.