In case of fungus poisoning pick up vomit

Anyone who suffers from poisoning and vomits after eating a mushroom should have the vomit taken

05/09/2012

In the next few weeks, the time of the mushroom pickers begins: In autumn, mushrooms, chestnuts and chanterelles are collected again or bought on the market. But mushrooms always carry a health risk, especially if collectors are not very well versed. Anyone who suffers from severe abdominal pain, restlessness, nausea and vomiting after eating mushrooms should first contact an ambulance and, in the second step, ensure the vomit.

Take vomit with you
Depending on the type of fungal poisoning, shortly after or only several hours later typical symptoms of intoxication such as spasmodic abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, confusion, excessive sweating, inner restlessness and tiredness occur. Anyone who has to vomit after eating a mushroom dish should first contact the ambulance service and the poison emergency call and then have the help of a helper ensure the vomit, as the German Red Cross (DRK) advises in Berlin. Physicians can see on the basis of the mass and the possible leftovers valuable information for further treatment. Therefore, the vomit should be given to a treating doctor on arrival at the clinic. „However, to induce the patient to vomit should be avoided“, so the DRC.

Mushroom poisoning can be life-threatening
The first signs of symptoms after a fungal intoxication are usually noticeable within the first four hours after the fungal meal. If symptoms appear more than four hours after ingestion, severe poisoning may be present. „Patients are then immediately in mortal danger.“

Helpers or family members should first ask the patient which fungus was eaten and when the first symptoms appeared. Information about the condition of the mushrooms, the storage as well as the transport are important for the rescue helpers and the poison emergency call.

Particularly serious are poisoning with the tuberous mushroom. This mushroom species is often confused with the meadow mushroom. Even small amounts can lead to severe liver damage and subsequent death. Therefore, only expert mushrooms should be collected. „Only those who can identify fungi one hundred percent, they should also collect“, advises Stefan Münzer, forester and even active mushroom picker. Anyone who is unsure should, according to Münzer „leave the mushroom or consult a specialist“. Caution is also advised at street vendors. (Sb)

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