b'Chapter hapterPoisoningA poison is any substance entering the body, which causes injury or illness. Poisoning is often accidental, but can sometimes be deliberate such as an attempted suicide. Serious illness, injury or even death can occur due to poisoning from household products, industrial solvents, chemicals, fumes, gases, contaminated food, certain plants or misuse of drugs. Poisoning can also becaused by venom injected by certain animals and marine stingers.Poisons move quickly through the bloodstream affecting various body functions.They may enter the body by:Ingestion (swallowed).Inhalation (nose and mouth into the lungs).Absorption (through the skin).Injection (snake/spider bites and intentional drug use). Prevention is better than cure.How to RecogniseSigns and symptoms vary as it is dependent upon the type of substance, amount of poison involved and how it entered the body:Nausea and vomiting.Abdominal pain and discomfort.Breathing difficulty.Headache, dizziness, blurred vision.Tightness in the chest.Blue discolouration around the mouth and lips (cyanosis).Burning sensations around the mouth radiating through to the stomach.Visible burns around the mouth, lips, tongue.Odours on the clothes, skin, breath or around the area.Bite marks, injection marks.Swelling or inflammation around the site.Drowsiness, altered conscious state leading to collapse.Poisons may have a rapid effect; however, the effects may also be delayed due to the nature of the poison, its concentration and the time of exposure.It is important to seek medical assessment or advice after significant exposure to a poison, even if initial signs and symptoms are mild or even absent.Poisoning 143'