Hello, I'm Dr. Smith, a board-certified emergency medicine physician. I've spent years working in the ER and have seen firsthand the devastating effects of poisoning. It's crucial to understand the signs and symptoms so you can act quickly if you suspect someone has been poisoned.

Poisoning can occur through various routes, including **ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, or injection**. The type of poison and the route of exposure will determine the symptoms you experience.

Here's a breakdown of the common signs and symptoms of poisoning:

Ingestion:

* Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, drooling, difficulty swallowing.
* Neurological: Confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, seizures, coma, headache, weakness, muscle twitching, slurred speech, hallucinations.
* Cardiovascular: Irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, chest pain.
* Respiratory: Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing.
* Other: Burning sensation in the mouth and throat, skin rash, eye irritation, sweating, tremors, fever, chills.

Inhalation:

* Respiratory: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, rapid breathing.
* Neurological: Dizziness, headache, confusion, drowsiness, seizures, loss of consciousness.
* Cardiovascular: Irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure.
* Other: Eye irritation, skin irritation, nausea, vomiting.

Skin Contact:

* Skin: Redness, itching, burning, blisters, swelling, rash.
* Other: Eye irritation, nausea, vomiting.

Injection:

* Local: Pain, redness, swelling, bruising at the injection site.
* Systemic: Depends on the type of poison injected, but may include neurological, cardiovascular, or respiratory symptoms.

**Common Types of Poisoning and their Symptoms:**

* Alcohol: Confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, vomiting, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness.
* Carbon Monoxide: Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, weakness, loss of consciousness.
* Drugs: Varies depending on the drug, but can include drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing.
* Food Poisoning: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever.
* Insecticides: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, weakness, muscle twitching, seizures.
* Metals (Lead, Mercury): Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue, memory problems, seizures.
* Plants: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin irritation, hallucinations.

Important Considerations:

* Time of exposure: The time since the poisoning occurred can influence the severity of the symptoms.
* Amount of exposure: The amount of poison ingested, inhaled, or absorbed can also affect the severity of the symptoms.
* Individual factors: Age, weight, overall health, and pre-existing conditions can influence the body's response to poison.

What to Do if You Suspect Poisoning:

* Call Emergency Services: Immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
* Stay Calm: It's important to stay calm and provide accurate information to emergency responders.
* Remove the Person from the Source: If the person is exposed to a dangerous substance, move them to a safe area.
* Identify the Poison: If possible, identify the type of poison and its concentration. This information will be helpful for emergency responders.
* Follow Instructions: Carefully follow the instructions given by emergency personnel.

Prevention:

* Store poisons safely: Keep poisons out of reach of children and pets.
* Use proper ventilation: When using chemicals, ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes.
* Wear protective gear: When handling chemicals, wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and masks.
* Educate yourself: Learn about common household poisons and how to prevent poisoning.

**Remember, poisoning is a serious medical emergency. If you suspect someone has been poisoned, act quickly and call 911.**

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General symptoms of poisoning can include:feeling and being sick.diarrhoea.stomach pain.drowsiness, dizziness or weakness.high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above.chills (shivering)loss of appetite.headache.More items...read more >>