How does iron overdose typically present?

Iron overdose typically presents with abdominal pain and bloody vomiting due to mucosal irritation and damage caused by the excess iron in the gastrointestinal tract. Iron is corrosive, and when ingested in excess, it can lead to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. The initial signs often include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress, which may escalate to severe pain and hematemesis (vomiting blood). This presentation is crucial for identifying iron toxicity in patients, particularly in cases involving children who may accidentally ingest iron supplements.

While hypotension can occur as a result of severe shock from extensive gastrointestinal bleeding or metabolic imbalances, it is not one of the earliest or most distinctive signs of iron overdose. Severe diarrhea may occur as a symptom, but it does not typically classify as a primary presentation of iron toxicity. Extreme fatigue can result from chronic iron deficiency or anemia but is not a characteristic symptom of acute iron overdose. Understanding these clinical features aids in the prompt recognition and management of iron poisoning.