The cocaine habit causes emaciation, anemia, disturbances of the stomach, etc., disordered heart action, weakness of the body and mind, nervous and great depravity.
Treatment.—Same as for the morphine habit.
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CHLORAL HABIT. Symptoms.—After a slight primary exhilaration there is depression of the mind and body; skin eruptions, bad breath, spongy gums, poor appetite, indigestion, bad nutrition, permanent dilation of the cutaneous (skin) blood vessels, intermittent pulse, blunting of the higher mental faculties, restlessness, sleeplessness, irritability, sometimes dementia.
Treatment.—Same as for morphine.
LEAD POISONING. (Plumbism-Saturnism). Causes.—It is common in lead smelters and grinders, painters, glaziers, and plumbers, whose hands are not washed before eating. The lead is absorbed by the mouth, skin and lungs. It may be taken into the system by drinking water, cider, etc., in new lead pipes, or from hair-dyes or cosmetics containing lead.
Symptoms of Acute Case.—These develop rapidly from continued exposure. There is rapidly progressing anemia, with acute neuritis, epilepsy, convulsions or delirium or with severe stomach and bowel symptoms.
Chronic Cases. Symptoms. 1.—Anemia, lead line on the gums, paralysis, colic, and brain symptoms.
2. Blue-black line of lead in the gums near the teeth.
3. This is preceded by an obstinate constipation. It resembles severe intestinal colic. There may be vomiting.