Abstract

Bismuth is a chemical element with the symbol Bi and atomic number 83. It is a pentavalent metal which chemically resembles Arsenic (As) and Antimony (Sb). Bismuth salts, especially colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) and bismuth subsalicylate, are widely used to treat peptic ulcers, functional dyspepsia, and chronic gastritis.Bismuth and most of its compounds are less toxic in comparison to other heavy metals like lead, antimony, cadmium, etc. The main organs involved in bismuth poisoning are kidney, liver and bladder. Skin and respiratory irritation can also follow exposure to respective organs. Large concentration of bismuth is contained in kidney and is primarily excreted through this organ while lesser amounts of bismuth are excreted via saliva, milk and bile. Routes of exposure are skin/eye contact, inhalation and ingestion. The toxic results developed by this heavy metal are serious ulcerative stomatitis, vague feeling of bodily discomfort, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weight, pain in legs, arms and joints, depression and sleeplessness, pyorrhea and exodermatitis. Management of the bismuth poisoning is done in the same line as any other heavy metals, with irrigation of the stomach (gastric lavage) and chelating agents.

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