[originaltext] Thousands of persons die each year after eating or drinking p

Thousands of persons die each year after eating or drinking poisonous substances. Experts say most accidental poisonings happen at or near the home. And most are caused by substances we commonly use at home: medical supplies, insect poisons or cleaning fluids. There are several common signs of poisoning. A sudden feeling of pain or sickness. Bums in the area of the mouth. Or an unusual smell coming from a person’s mouth.
    Health experts generally advise poison victims to drink water or milk. But never give liquids to someone who is not awake or to those having a violent reaction to the poison. Next, seek help from professional medical experts. Save the material expelled from the mouth for doctors to examine. Save the container of the suspected poison to answer questions the doctors may have. The container may also describe a substance that halts the poison’s effects. Use this substance without delay.
    Health experts say vomiting sometimes may be started if medical advice is delayed. But vomiting should be used only when it is known the victim took too much of what is called a general poison, such as a medicine. The experts suggest never cause vomiting if the victim was poisoned by a petroleum product or by a substance that was a strong acid or strong alkali. These victims should be taken to a medical center as soon as possible.