Poisoning Emergencies

Signs and Symptoms of Poisoning

If the history does not reveal what poison was taken, or by what means it was taken, signs and symptoms may be helpful in answering these questions. The signs and symptoms are dependent on the method of poisoning; however, the common signs and symptoms of most poisonings include:

• Change in the level of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing (usually shallow and rapid)
• Change in the heart rate
• Burned tissue at the route of entry
• Chest pain

Other signs and symptoms related to the method of poisoning include:

• Swallowed poisons usually cause nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. They may discolour the lips, cause burns in or around the mouth or leave an odour on the breath.
• Poisons absorbed through the skin may cause a reddening of the skin, blisters, swelling, and burns.
• Poisons injected through the skin usually irritate the point of entry.
• Inhaled poisons may cause coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Note that some poisonous gases (e.g., carbon monoxide) are colourless and odourless. They are not easily detectable. Exercise extra caution if inhaled poisoning is suspected.