Symptoms in Children
Children and the elderly are at greater risk from meth effects, compared to healthy adults. However, children may exhibit other symptoms such as general poor behaviour or irritability because they aren't feeling well.
Take care
Children are more at risk of meth related illness.
The main indicator of meth related illness is due to a NEW situation or environmental change. If someone in your family has unusual or ongoing symptoms this is the first clue.
Not all the effects of meth are instant. While high levels will have a more obvious reaction, some low levels will produce underlying sickness which may not be easy to diagnose
If you have doubt - check it out.
A simple low-cost meth test can indicate the presence of meth to confirm suspicions or put your mind at ease. Keep in mind that if you get a positive result for meth contamination, further more intensive testing will be required for the decontamination process.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of meth related health issues are easily disguised as other conditions, but similarly other conditions such as mould or dust can also trigger look-alike allergies.
See your doctor
Your doctor can suggest if any of the symptoms are viral or cold related, so you can dismiss other causes.
Note that a G.P. can not definitively diagnose if the cause is environmental, so be aware of these clues:
Is your child in a NEW environment? This is the most obvious reason for a change in their condition. It may not be meth, but be on your guard for any of the common symptoms:
- Headaches
- Feeling weak or cold
- Convulsions
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Burning skin
- Coughing
- General confusion
Are they using a different room than usual? Some of the contamination of meth is localised and confined to smaller areas, even if the rest of the house has negligible levels.
Is the child visiting a new home or has new friends? Exposure can occur at a number of 'safe' places, and only you can know if there is a new element or environment that could be contributing.
Don't be fooled by the condition of a new environment, because the drug use is not confined to badly kept or poor premises. The abuse of meth is widespread across all areas and levels of society.