What are the symptoms of metal fever?

Clinical presentation: Metal fume fever typically presents with generally non-specific complaints including influenza-like symptoms, fever, shaking chills, arthalgias, myalgias, headache, and malaise. Onset of symptoms typically occurs 4-10 h following the exposure to metal-containing fumes.

How long does metal fever last?

Metal fume fever is a diagnosed with exposure to metal fumes within the last 48 hours and 'flu-like' symptom development with resolution within 1–2 days.

How long does it take to get metal fume fever?

Diagnosis of metal fume fever can be easily missed because the complaints are non-specific, resemble a number of other common illnesses, and presentation occurs typically 2–10 hours after the exposure.

How do you get metal fever?

The metal fume fever (MFF) is an inhalation fever syndrome in welders of galvanized steel, who join and cut metal parts using flame or electric arc and other sources of heat. Inhalation of certain freshly formed metal oxides produced from welding process can cause MFF as an acute self-limiting flulike illness.

What is the most common cause of metal fume fever?

Metal fume fever is a disease most often associated with welders. Welding may cause pulmonary inflammation from the submicron particles of metal oxides in the fumes. Most often, the metal oxide is zinc oxide, but cadmium and manganese and their oxides are also present in some welding processes.

Metal Fume Fever

How do you get rid of metal fever?

Treatment: The primary treatment for both metal fume fever and polymer fume fever is supportive and directed at symptom relief. Oral hydration, rest, and the use of antipyretics and anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin) are recommended.

How long does metal flu last?

It does depend on the type of chimney liner. Stainless steel flue liners have a much longer lifespan at about 15 to 20 years compared to clay tile liners and cast-in-place liners. Meanwhile, some of the cheapest chimney liners may need substantial repairs or a complete replacement in as little as five years.

Can metal in your body make you sick?

Heavy metal poisoning occurs when microscopic molecules of metals accumulate within your body after exposure. Heavy metals attach to your cells and prevent them from performing their functions, which causes symptoms that could be life threatening without treatment.

Why do welders drink milk?

The milk theory is based on the belief that when welders drink milk, the calcium in the milk will “saturate the body” and prevent the body from absorbing toxic heavy metals that can be found in welding fumes, such as cadmium.

How do you get metal toxins in your body?

Heavy Metal Poisoning Causes and Risk Factors

Eat fish caught in an area with high levels of mercury. Use herbal medicines that have heavy metals in them. Use dinnerware that hasn't been coated well enough to prevent heavy metals from contaminating food. Drink water contaminated with heavy metal.

How is metal fume fever diagnosed?

There are no definitive diagnostic tests for metal fume fever; diagnosis relies largely on history and physical examination. Metal fume fever is diagnosed when workers or others with a history of exposure to zinc fume (eg, welders) present with the characteristic symptoms of the syndrome.

Does metal fume fever have long term effects?

It has been reported that chronic exposure to extremely high concentrations of zinc oxide fumes or dust for more than six months may lead to the development of dermatitis, boils, conjunctivitis, and gastrointestional disturbances.

Can you get a sore throat from metal fume fever?

Metal fume fever typically causes symptoms that resemble those of influenza (such as fever, shaking chills, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and headache). Other symptoms may include dry cough, chest pain when inhaling or exhaling, shortness of breath, a sore throat, muscle cramping, and abnormal taste sensations.

What does metal poisoning feel like?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common symptoms of acute metal ingestion. Chronic exposure may cause various symptoms resulting from damage to body organs, and may increase the risk of cancer.

How long does it take to get metal poisoning?

Symptoms usually develop over a three to six week time period. Lead overexposure may cause children to be less playful, clumsier, irritable, and sluggish (lethargic).

Why do I feel sick after welding?

Metal fume fever

Many welders get flu-like symptoms after welding. The effects are often worse at the start of the working week. Metal fume fever is usually linked to welding or hot work on galvanised metals. High exposures to mild steel weld fume can also cause this illness.

Why do welders starch their jeans?

Basically, starch prevents dirt from accumulating on fabric. And if ever dirt does accumulate on the welding clothing, it washes off easily. It also helps prevent sparks, slaf, and spatter from penetrating your garments. This means you protect your skin for any burns.

What is welder's lung?

Pneumosiderosis, or more commonly referred to as Welder's lung, is an occupational lung disease that occurs after chronic inhalation of iron dust particles, especially in welders.

How do you know if your body is rejecting metal?

How do I know if I have too much metal in my body?

The most common symptoms of heavy metal toxicity are gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain, fatigue, brain fog, depression, anxiety, confusion, and joint pain. At the same time, many other health conditions also have similar symptoms.

How do you test for metals in your body?

A heavy metal test checks for potentially harmful metals in your body. Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of heavy metal poisoning or known exposure to heavy metals. The test may use a blood, urine, hair or fingernail sample.

Is metal fume fever common?

Earlier reports estimated that 1500–2500 cases of metal fume fever occur annually in the United States (86). Importantly, repeated episodes of metal fume fever, although self-limiting and acute, may indicate poor workplace hygiene practice and ultimately lead to the development of chronic respiratory diseases (84).

When should you go to the ER for flu symptoms?

Adults with a sustained fever of more than 102 degrees, as well as any combination of the below flu-like symptoms, should seek medical attention: Difficulty breathing. Severe chest or stomach pain. Vertigo and lightheadedness.

What are the first symptoms of Type A flu?

Most people who have flu are infected with the influenza type A virus. Symptoms of Influenza A include fever and chills, sneezing, coughing and a sore throat.