Project Healthy Choices

Poisons are substances that cause injury when they come into contact with the cells of the body. Poisons can be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed or injected. Most cases of poisoning are accidental and involve children or the elderly. However, in some instances, poisoning can be deliberate, when a person attempts to poison themselves or to harm someone else.

The range of symptoms is broad and varied. Poisoning should be considered as a cause if someone suddenly becomes ill for no apparent reason, or acts strangely, particularly if they are found near a poisonous substance.

Symptoms of poisoning are:

• Abdominal pain, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, or Nausea
• Dizziness, Weakness or Drowsiness
• Fever
• Chills (Shivering)
• Loss of Appetite
• Headache or Irritability
• Pain on Swallowing
• Production of more Saliva than Usual
• Skin Rash
• Double or Blurred Vision
• Muscle Twitching
• Seizures (fits)
• Stupor or Unconsciousness

Filed under: Diseases