Question

Which of the following is not a symptom of Benzoic acid?

• A. \( \text{Highly colored urine} \)
• B. \( \text{Ganglion of wrist} \)
• C. \( \text{Offensive urine of old men} \)
• D. \( \text{Cough worse on lying on left side} \)

Hint:

\textbf{Toxicology and Pharmacology: Benzoic Acid.} Remember that benzoic acid is metabolized to hippuric acid and excreted in urine. While it can have some effects on the body, a ganglion cyst or positional cough are not associated symptoms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Benzoic acid is an organic compound with various uses, including as a food preservative and in some medicinal applications, particularly for skin conditions. Its metabolism in the body involves conjugation with glycine in the liver to form hippuric acid, which is then excreted in the urine. This can sometimes lead to changes in urine characteristics. Let's analyze each option as a potential symptom or finding related to benzoic acid: (1) Highly colored urine: The excretion of hippuric acid, a metabolite of benzoic acid, can potentially affect the color of urine, although it is not typically described as a primary or consistent symptom leading to highly colored urine. (2) Ganglion of wrist: A ganglion cyst is a benign, fluid-filled lump that commonly develops near joints or tendons in the hand or wrist. It is not related to the ingestion or effects of benzoic acid. (3) Offensive urine of old men: While changes in urine odor can occur due to various factors, including diet, hydration, and bacterial presence, it is not a specifically recognized or common symptom directly attributed to benzoic acid metabolism. However, metabolic changes and potential kidney effects in some individuals might theoretically alter urine odor. The phrase "offensive urine of old men" is also quite general and not a specific medical symptom of benzoic acid exposure. (4) Cough worse on lying on left side: This symptom is typically associated with respiratory or cardiac conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, or heart failure, where positional changes can affect breathing or acid reflux. It has no known direct link to the metabolism or effects of benzoic acid. Based on the known metabolic pathways and effects of benzoic acid, a ganglion of the wrist and a cough that worsens on lying on the left side are not recognized symptoms associated with it. Among the options, a ganglion of the wrist has the least plausible connection to benzoic acid. While changes in urine color or odor are theoretically possible due to its metabolism and excretion, they are not well-established or primary symptoms. Therefore, "cough worse on lying on left side" is the most clearly unrelated symptom to benzoic acid.