Symptoms

Poisoning symptoms can mimic other conditions, such as seizure, alcohol intoxication, stroke and insulin reaction. Symptoms of poisoning may include:

• Burns or redness around the mouth and lips.
• Breath that smells like chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner.
• Vomiting.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Drowsiness.
• Confusion or other altered mental status.

If you suspect poisoning, be alert for clues such as empty pill bottles or packages, scattered pills, and burns, stains and odors on the person or nearby objects. With a child, consider the possibility that the child may have applied medicated patches, taken prescription medicines or swallowed a button battery.