$Unique_ID{BRK00431}
$Pretitle{Accidents, Poisoning, and Violence}
$Title{What Would be the Symptoms of Eating Poisonous Mushrooms?}
$Subject{mushrooms poisoning}
$Volume{O-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Would be the Symptoms of Eating Poisonous Mushrooms?


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QUESTION:  My father in law has just come to live with us and is excited by
the prospects of finding all types of wild mushrooms.  I am less than thrilled
by the prospect of some poisonous variety finding its way to the table.
Though Dad is sure he knows the good from the bad, what would be the symptoms
if we had eaten the bad variety.

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ANSWER:  Hunting for wild mushrooms may be a wonderful sport for an energetic
senior citizen, but it is not without its risks.  Even experts may be fooled,
particularly when dealing with new varieties found in a new environment.  You
are right to be cautious, and must stay alert if you are finally convinced to
serve these trophies at your dinner table.  The most common type of mushroom
poisoning seen in emergency rooms is caused by the action of muscarine that is
contained in two species of the Amanita type.  Symptoms begin about two hours
after eating, and consist of eye's tearing, salivation, sweating, abdominal
cramps and vomiting, diarrhea dizziness, confusion and sometimes convulsions
and coma.  With appropriate therapy, including the use of atropine, recovery
is usual and occurs in 24 hours.  In poisoning due to eating mushrooms
containing phalloidine, symptoms may be delayed as long as six or more hours,
and in addition to the symptoms listed above, causes impairment in urine
production, and damage to the liver, resulting in jaundice.  This type of
poisoning is far more serious with death occurring in about 50% of the cases
in from 5 to 8 days.  It is difficult to predict the potential for poisoning
in these mushrooms as it may vary within the same species at different times
of the growing season, and with different styles of cooking.  As you can see,
I cannot paint a glowing picture for you, but perhaps armed with this account
you may convince your father in law that wild flowers are a more appropriate
and satisfying souvenir of his nature jaunts.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
