Many mushroom pickers too careless

Doctors advise caution when collecting mushrooms

17/10/2013

Not everyone recognizes the difference between which fungus it might be when traveling in the woods and in the meadows to collect. This can sometimes be fatal.

The poison emergency call of the Berlin Charité is currently overwhelmed with requests from mushroom pickers. Again and again, inexperienced mushroom pickers report to the professionals and complain of abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. However, there have not been deaths in recent years. "Many people are too careless and often ask themselves after eating the question, whether not poisonous mushrooms were there," said Acting Director Daniela Acquarone. Experts expect significantly more inquiries this year than in 2011 and 2010. "On average, we have about 400 inquiries each season, with more than 550 calls in 2010. This year it could be so many again“, so the expert. "Many people who collect mushrooms are not really mushroom-aware, so there is a risk of confusion."

Symptoms often different
The possible symptoms that can occur after eating poisonous mushrooms are many. This can lead to vomiting, hallucinations, intoxication or coordination problems. "But the alarm bells ring when massive vomiting and diarrhea occur only several hours after eating the mushroom, then you should go to a clinic immediately," said Acquarone. This is usually an indication of severe organ damage. These symptoms are often seen in poisoning with amanitin mushrooms, which includes the green tuberous mushrooms. "These mushrooms are deadly poisonous and can be confused with mushrooms or the green Täubling", know the chairman of the Brandenburg federation of the mushroom experts, Wolfgang Bivour. In 2010, several mushroom pickers from Berlin and Brandenburg had to be treated in clinics. Especially the green tuberous mushroom is often confused by hobby mushroom pickers and is responsible for about 90 percent of all deadly fungal poisoning. This can cause liver failure even with small amounts in humans. If then no liver transplantation is possible, the poisoning almost inevitably leads to death.

In general, sufferers should seek immediate medical advice, even with minor signs of intoxication, because often wrong action worsens the problem. So salt water should not be given to children to drink, because in addition to the mushroom poisoning can then be added to a salt poisoning.

Keep vomit
So that in an emergency can be determined quickly which fungus has led to the poisoning, experts recommend to keep remainders of the meal or even the vomit itself. "We recommend people who are unfamiliar with mushrooms, basically only eat mushrooms bought in the shop," says Acquarone. A layman's aid may be books or mushroom apps for smartphones taken in the woods.

The edible Mushroom and the poisonous Pantherpilz, which were also called Sachsentöter in the former GDR, for example, relatively often confused. "Especially tourists from Saxony poisoned with the Pantherpilz, because they did not know him from their region," reports Bivour. If you have any doubts, you can also access the knowledge of professional consultants who offer regular consultations in Berlin and Brandenburg. Or you can participate in mushroom walks to gain more knowledge.

Huge selection of mushrooms
Between 5,000 and 6,000 types of mushrooms grow in Germany, of which only 50 to 60 types of mushrooms are edible mushrooms. In the population, some mushrooms are still considered edible, although they may cause fatal poisoning.

The Kahle Krempling, for example, contains toxins that only take effect years later and can then lead to death. Around 60 species are classified as "serious toadstools". "No one knows all the mushrooms," says Bivour. Certified mushroom experts would have to be safe with the poisonous and common edible mushrooms. According to statistics, people in Bavaria are most affected by fungal poisoning. In the previous year, 43 percent of the nationwide reported patients with severe fungal poisoning and inpatient treatment came from the Free State.

Radiocesium in mushrooms is still increasing
Forest mushrooms in southern Germany still show an increased concentration of radiocesium, although more since the Chernobyl nuclear accident. than 25 years have passed. The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) therefore advises not to eat more than half a pound a week. Above all, chestnut tubes and porcini mushrooms are heavily contaminated. But Bivour says consumers need not worry if they consume no more than the recommended amount of wild mushrooms. (Fr)

Picture: Sabine lot