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Mushroom season Danger of poisoning by self-collected mushrooms
Although September and October are considered the peak season for mushrooms in Germany, some species are much earlier. Many Germans therefore prefer meadows and forests to gather tasty mushrooms there. Experts urge caution here: confusion always leads to mushroom poisoning. Partly with fatal outcome.
Many types of fungi can harm your health
Due to the weather, Germany's forests could become a paradise for mushroom pickers this year. Many Germans love to roam through meadows and forests and bring delicious mushrooms home. At least 2,000 different species can be distinguished. In Bavaria alone, there are around 100 species that can harm health, health minister Melanie Huml warned last year.
Many Germans love to gather mushrooms in late summer on meadows and in forests. Unfortunately, mushroom poisoning occurs again and again due to confusion. Sometimes with a fatal outcome. (Image: Vladimir Sazonov / fotolia.com) The University Hospital Freiburg reports in a press release that nobody knows exactly how many of the more than 600 species that are represented in the Black Forest around Freiburg are actually edible. The existing knowledge is mainly caused by poisoning cases.
Likelihood of confusion with toadstools
Numerous toadstools look confusingly similar to edible mushrooms. Most mushroom species are indistinguishable to the layman. "So it's not enough to go into the forest with the mushroom book," Dr. Uwe Stedtler, Deputy Director of the Poison Information Center at the University Hospital of Freiburg, "because the appearance of mushrooms can be very different, if you do not know exactly which plates you have to pay attention to."
Every year several dead
In Baden-Württemberg alone, two to three people die each year from fungal poisoning. Collectors should inquire in case of doubt with mushroom instructors or experts and keep your hands off the unknown mushrooms. To be on the safe side, you can also fall back on self-bred mushrooms from your own garden. Although this is not widespread in this country, but different edible mushrooms can be quite cultivate in the garden.
Deadly poisoning by tuberous mushrooms
As the statement says, the tuber-tree mushroom, which grows from August to October, is one of the most poisonous mushrooms in Europe. Almost 95 percent of all deadly fungal poisoning go back to this fungus. Even small quantities are life-threatening. "Particularly endangered are fellow citizens who have moved to Germany from other countries, especially from Eastern Europe, as mushrooms from the ancient homeland seem to resemble the local tuber-leaf mushroom," Dr. Stedtler.
This is also shown by a case from Münster. Last autumn, a 16-year-old refugee from Syria, who accidentally consumed tuber-leaved mushrooms, died there.
The main cause of poisoning is amatoxin, a poisonous protein found in some fungi. This can be made ineffective neither by cooking nor by drying.
Signs of poisoning can occur even after days
Mushroom poisoning can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, but can also lead to liver and kidney failure. Mushroom poisoning is often more severe in children than in adults. However, there are hardly any clear signs of poisoning. According to the experts, mild fungal poisoning, which is not life threatening, can occur between 15 minutes and 4 hours after fungal eating and last for several days.
With severe and life-threatening poisoning, however, the first signs may take days. "Often, the symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or hallucinations and urinary bleeding are then no longer associated with the consumption of mushrooms," said Dr. med. Stedtler.
In case of poisoning quickly to the doctor
If there are signs of poisoning, you should drive to the doctor or hospital as soon as possible. If any remains of the fungi are left, they should be taken with them for identification. "The determination is important to estimate the toxicity. And the more precise the fungus can be described, the more accurate the required treatment can be then, "said Drs. Uwe Stedtler. If a poisoning is treated in time, most cases can heal without permanent damage.
Tips for an emergency
If there is a suspicion of a fungus poisoning, one can also turn to the poison emergency call of the respective federal state. The college's message provides general advice for emergencies: it is important to remain calm and not rushed. For example, sufferers should not be given salt water or milk and no vomiting should be triggered.
For severe symptoms such as unconsciousness and shortness of breath, ABC measures should be used. Call an emergency doctor under 112 or 110. Call at a poison information center. It is best to have all the information you need about the person concerned. Give the victim of poisoning some drinks (water, tea or juice, but no milk). (Ad)