Mushroom poisoning

Mushroom poisoning

Mushroom poisoning is a condition caused by consuming poisonous mushrooms or unknown mushrooms. The toxins in the mushrooms enter the body, causing physical symptoms and sometimes even death, depending on the type of mushroom and the amount consumed.

Causes
- Caused by consuming poisonous mushrooms or mushrooms containing toxins such as amatoxins, phallodoxins, and morel toxins.
- Some mushrooms resemble edible mushrooms, leading to misunderstandings.
- Undercooking mushrooms or consuming unknown wild mushrooms poses a high risk.

Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type of poison and the onset of symptoms after ingestion. 1. Early Stage (6–24 hours): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
2. Intermediate Stage: Dehydration, anemia, kidney failure, liver failure
3. Severe Stage (for severe poisoning, such as Amanita phalloides): Jaundice, cyanosis, shock, liver failure, and death.

Important Note: Delayed symptoms after mushroom ingestion (6–12 hours) are usually more severe than early symptoms.

Diagnosis
-History of mushroom ingestion: Most important
-Clinical Symptoms: Nausea, diarrhea, jaundice, liver/kidney dysfunction
-Blood Tests: Liver failure, kidney failure, easy bleeding
-Photographs of the mushroom (if available) to help the doctor identify the toxin.

Treatment
1. First Aid:
-Do not attempt to induce vomiting if the toxin is unknown.
-Go to the hospital immediately.
2. Hospital Treatment:
-Gastric lavage or activated charcoal to absorb toxins.
-Administer fluids and electrolytes to compensate for dehydration.
-Specific medications for the toxin (e.g., Silibinin for Amanita)
-Hemodialysis or liver transplantation in severe cases.

Should or shouldn't?
- Should: Eat known and safe mushrooms, purchased from a reputable source.
* Should not: Pick or eat wild mushrooms of unknown species.
* Don't speculate: Cooking or modifying poisonous mushrooms does not make them safe.



Summary
Mushroom poisoning occurs when eating poisonous mushrooms. It can cause nausea, vomiting, liver/kidney failure, and even death.

You should eat known mushrooms. Prevent poisoning immediately by seeking medical attention and avoid speculating.