Mushroom Poisoning: Signs and Treatment Options

The diversity of mushrooms and their delicious appearance makes it important to be aware that certain species can be extremely toxic. Mushroom poisoning poses a serious health risk, as even a small amount of toxic mushroom consumption can lead to severe consequences, potentially resulting in life-threatening conditions. In addition to the nutritional value of mushrooms, the toxins they contain can also cause illnesses that may manifest at different times, ranging from minutes to days later.

There are two main types of mushroom poisoning: one is mycetismus, where the toxins present in the mushroom directly cause symptoms, while the other is mycotoxicosis, which occurs as a consequence of toxins proliferating in food. The appearance of mushrooms is closely linked to environmental factors, making rainy periods particularly favorable for mushroom growth. Since the proportion of toxic mushrooms is relatively low, it is easy to make mistakes during foraging without the proper knowledge, so it is always advisable to seek expert assistance.

The Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning

The symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary widely and depend on the type of mushroom consumed. Complaints may appear within an hour, but they can also be noticeable several days later. Delayed symptoms are particularly dangerous, as the effects of the toxins can already be destructive before symptoms appear.

Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Additionally, sweating episodes, dizziness, confusion, breathing difficulties, rapid heartbeat, and balance disorders may occur. Mushroom poisonings can be categorized into different groups, such as gastrointestinal syndrome, which is characterized by stomach and intestinal symptoms, or phalloides syndrome, which is the most dangerous form and can cause severe liver and kidney damage.

In the case of phalloides syndrome, the poisoning can be divided into two phases. The first phase involves intense symptoms, while in the second phase, symptoms may seemingly decrease, but organ damage has already begun. Initial symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, can quickly lead to life-threatening conditions. In the second phase, signs of jaundice and kidney damage may appear, leading to disturbances in urine output.

Treatment of Mushroom Poisoning

If mushroom poisoning is suspected, immediate medical assistance is necessary. It is important for the doctor to be informed that mushrooms have been consumed, as the symptoms can easily be confused with other food poisonings. In the case of vomiting, it is advisable to save a sample so that laboratory tests can accurately identify the toxic substance. Presenting the mushroom can also be very helpful for the doctor.

It is crucial to emphasize that the treatment of mushroom poisoning can only occur in a medical environment, and therefore, one should not experiment with home remedies. The goal of medical intervention is to remove the mushroom toxins from the body, which often requires gastric lavage and the use of activated charcoal. Activated charcoal helps to bind the toxins, while gastric lavage removes any mushroom remnants in the stomach.

Certain mushroom toxins also have antidotes that are used in the appropriate syndrome. For example, the treatment for muscarine poisoning is done with atropine, while for pantherine syndrome, sedatives are recommended, and in more severe cases, physostigmine may be used. In cases of poisoning that cause liver and kidney damage, treatments must focus on preserving organ functions, as the chances of recovery significantly decrease in cases of irreversible damage.