$Unique_ID{BRK00431} $Pretitle{} $Title{What Would be the Symptoms of Eating Poisonous Mushrooms?} $Subject{mushrooms accidents accident poisoning Poisonous Mushroom muscarine Amanita atropine tearing salivation sweating cramps vomiting diarrhea dizziness confusion convulsions phalloidine urine liver jaundice tear salivate sweat cramp vomit dizzy confused convulse phalloidin lifestyle lifestyles phalloidin} $Volume{O-23} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. What Would be the Symptoms of Eating Poisonous Mushrooms? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 eyes' 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. ---------------- 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.