Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can vary depending on the level of the chemical in the body. Symptoms generally include extreme nausea, vomiting, and headache. Other common symptoms of cyanide poisoning include delusions and disorientation. Fainting or total cardiac arrest may also be present with this chemical poisoning.
Acute cyanide poisoning affects the body's ability to use oxygen, therefore heart failure can be the result. If the victim does not receive emergency medical treatment, these symptoms of cyanide poisoning can lead to organ failure. This is because cyanide has the ability to shut down vital organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and heart.
If a victim of cyanide poisoning has gone a period of time without treatment, they may become permanently paralyzed. Some of the symptoms of cyanide poisoning that lead to paralysis or even coma can include shortness of breath, dizziness, and a lack of muscle control and function.
If an individual is exposed to low concentrations of cyanide through their environment, symptoms may not be obvious or may mimic other conditions. The individual may present symptoms over time and confuse the signs of a disease that causes similar symptoms, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
Hyperactivity can be a symptom of cyanide poisoning. The victim may have difficulty sleeping and episodes of insomnia. Some people may experience a personality change, such as mood swings and temper outbursts.
Over a period of time, the individual may find it difficult to focus and concentrate. You may become forgetful and distracted. Unexplained tiredness and sleepiness can occur at odd hours on and off throughout the day.
A change in physical appearance may also be present in the victim of cyanide poisoning. This may include unusual pigment in the skin. The meat may take on a pink tint in a case of acute poisoning.
Headaches and heart palpitations may manifest as symptoms of progressing poisoning. If higher levels of this toxic poison build up, symptoms become more pronounced and can lead to convulsions or shaking. Eventually the individual may become unconscious. If the chemical has been ingested, optic nerve damage may result. The damage can be irreversible and could lead to vision loss or total blindness.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can be confused with carbon monoxide poisoning if the victim is unresponsive and groggy. That is why it is crucial that the person receives immediate medical attention. Transporting the victim to a hospital where he can be evaluated is the best course of action to take.