The symptoms of iron poisoning can be categorized into five stages:
Gastrointestinal Phase: Within the first 6 hours post-ingestion, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding occur. Latent Phase: A deceptive improvement in symptoms occurs between 6 to 24 hours post-ingestion. However, systemic toxicity continues to develop. Metabolic Acidosis and Shock: Between 12 to 24 hours after ingestion, metabolic acidosis, shock, hypoperfusion, and neurotoxicity may manifest. Hepatotoxicity: Liver damage occurs 2 to 3 days post-ingestion, potentially leading to hepatic failure. Bowel Obstruction: Scar tissue formation can cause gastrointestinal obstruction weeks after the initial ingestion.
