Poisonous Plant Ingestion

Certain plants are harmful to the body (poisonous). Eating (ingesting) one of these plants can make you sick. The sickness caused by eating a poisonous plant depends on the plant. Some plants make you only a little sick, others can make you very sick, and still others can lead to death.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by eating a poisonous plant. It can be caused by eating the whole plant or just a part of the plant, such as the plant’s seeds, berries, leaves, petals, roots, or stems.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in people who:

• Are very young.
• Have poisonous plants in their yard.
• Do not know which plants are poisonous.
• Search for and eat wild plants.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition depend on the type of plant you ate. Symptoms may include:

• Seizure.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Drooling.
• Dry mouth.
• Restlessness.
• Nervousness.
• Pupils that are larger or smaller than normal.
• Trouble breathing.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Vomiting.
• Abdominal pain.
• Hallucinations.
• Dehydration.
• Diarrhea.
• Pain in the mouth and throat.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms.
• A description of the events that happened before your symptoms started.
• A physical exam.

This condition can be diagnosed more quickly if you know the name of the plant you ate, you have part of the plant you ate, or you have a photo of the plant you ate.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the type of plant you ate. Treatment may include:

• Drinking lots of fluids.
• Eating activated charcoal.
• Bringing about vomiting (inducing vomiting).
• Getting fluids through an IV tube.
• Getting medicines to counter the poison or to help it pass through your system quickly.
• Having your stomach pumped. This is done with a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that is passed down your throat.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about what you should or should not eat.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
• Know what to do if you or someone around you eats a poisonous plant. Make sure anyone living with you knows what to do as well.
  • If the person who ate the plant is alert and sitting up, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) for help. Do not induce vomiting.
  • If the person who ate the plant become unconscious or cannot breathe, get medical help at once. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
  • Keep the plant or part of the plant with you so the medical team will know exactly what was eaten.

How is this prevented?

To prevent future problems with poisonous plants:

• Learn about the plants you have in and around your home. Know their names, such as azaleas, foxgloves, and daffodils.
• Remove poisonous plants from your home and garden.
• Teach children to avoid eating wild plants, mushrooms, and berries.
• Keep activated charcoal in your first aid kit. Use it only if your health care provider instructs you to do so.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms keep getting worse.

Get help right away if:

• You have a seizure.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You lose consciousness.
• You become dizzy.
• You are confused or disoriented.