Lathyrism and Epidemic dropsy

Feature

Lathyrism

Epidemic Dropsy

Cause

Contamination of Toor (Arhar) dal with Khesari dal (Lathyrus sativus / grass pea)

Contamination of Mustard oil (seeds) with Argemone seeds

Toxic Substance

Beta-oxalyl amino alanine (BOAA) from Lathyrus sativus

Sanguinarine from Argemone seeds

Symptoms

Muscle weakness, paralysis, difficulty walking

Swelling of the body, shortness of breath, edema

Affected System

Nervous system (especially lower limbs)

Cardiovascular and respiratory systems

Diagnosis

History of consuming Lathyrus sativus

History of mustard oil contamination

Prevention

Avoidance of Lathyrus sativus (khesari dal) in diet

Avoidance of adulterated mustard oil