A poisoned victim may or may not look, act or feel sick. However, he or she may experience some symptoms after eating or coming into contact with a poison. When a poison is eaten, it can irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. This can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. A caustic substance can cause burns to the face, lips, mouth, throat, gut, stomach and intestines. Substances that are absorbed can travel to other parts of the body and affect body organs such as the heart, brain, liver and kidneys. When a poison is inhaled, it can irritate the nose and respiratory tract. This can cause coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and eye pain. Caustic substances can cause burns to the face, eyes, nose, throat or lungs. Substances that are absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream can affect other body organs. When a poison is touched, it can irritate the skin. This can cause rashes, itch and swelling. Caustic substances can also cause burns to the skin. Substances that are absorbed from the skin can affect other body organs. Poisons that get into the eyes can cause blurred vision, redness, irritation and blindness. An allergy to the poison can result in rashes, swelling of the eyes, mouth and throat and shortness of breath.