John Miller
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be found growing in forests, on trees, and in urban and suburban areas. While some mushrooms are edible, others are extremely poisonous and can even cause death. Poisonous mushrooms contain a variety of toxins that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, organ failure, and in some cases, death. It is important to be able to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms to avoid accidental poisoning. However, there is no home test to determine whether a mushroom is safe to eat, and misidentification can have serious consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms that can kill you | Death cap (Amanita phalloides), Destroying angel (Amanita verna), Autumn skullcap (Galerina marginata), Deadly webcaps (Cortinarius rubellus), Fool's webcap (Cortinarius orellanus), Conocybe filaris, Amanita bisporigera |
| Toxins | Orellanine, Gyromitrin, α-Amanitin, Amatoxins |
| Symptoms | Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, violent abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, rapid loss of fluid, intense thirst, organ failure, kidney failure, liver failure, delirium, convulsions, hypothermia, coma, death |
| Time taken for symptoms to show | 6-12 hours, 5-24 hours, 3-20 days, 3-6 days, 3 weeks |
| Treatment | Liver or kidney transplant, aggressive support therapy |
| Prevention | Buy mushrooms from a reputable source, do not pick and consume wild mushrooms unless you are an expert |
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What You'll Learn
- The death cap mushroom is deadly and hard to distinguish from edible mushrooms
- There is no home test to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms
- Symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary from gastric upset to organ failure
- Pets can also suffer from mushroom poisoning
- Mushroom toxins can cause euphoria and altered sensorium
The death cap mushroom is deadly and hard to distinguish from edible mushrooms
Mushrooms are a fun and tasty ingredient to cook with, but it is important to be aware that some varieties are highly toxic and can even be deadly. The death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is one such variety and is considered one of the deadliest mushrooms in the world. It is fairly common in Europe, Australia, West Asia, and parts of the US, and has a reputation for being hard to distinguish from edible mushrooms.
The death cap mushroom has a domed or off-white cap, often with a green or yellow tint, and a diameter of 3 to 6 inches. It has a distinctive cup (volva) hidden below the ground, and a loose, white membrane at the top of its stem that looks like a skirt. The gills are crowded together, thin, and white, and can be seen by flipping the mushroom over. The entire fungus can grow quite large, reaching up to 15 cm across and 15 cm tall.
Death caps can be easily mistaken for straw mushrooms, paddy-straw mushrooms, puffballs, and even button mushrooms, which are all edible. The Amanita caesarea mushroom, with its bright orange cap, is also safe to eat but is sometimes confused with the death cap. The death cap's toxic ""eggs"" are especially hard to distinguish from puffballs, as they are encased in a universal veil.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ingested a death cap mushroom, contact your regional Poison Control Centre immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to occur, as this can lead to serious consequences, including organ failure and death. It is recommended to only eat mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer, to avoid accidental poisoning.
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There is no home test to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms
Mushrooms are a fun ingredient to cook with and a tasty treat to forage for, but they can also be deadly. Poisonous mushrooms contain a variety of toxins that can cause anything from a simple gastric upset to organ failure and death. In the United States, mushroom poisoning kills an average of about three people a year.
The majority of cases of mushroom poisoning are due to mistaken identity. For example, the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) resembles the edible Asian paddy-straw mushroom and Caesar's mushroom. Other toxic Amanitas can be mistaken for Coprinus comatus or puffballs. The Destroying Angel (Amanita verna) is another incredibly toxic fungus that looks similar to edible button mushrooms and meadow mushrooms.
If you are foraging for mushrooms, it is important to learn how to identify poisonous mushrooms. You can do this by joining a local mycological group and studying field guides. Check the visual characteristics of the mushrooms, such as their colour, shape, and spore print. Some mushrooms have toxic look-alikes, so it is important to be able to distinguish between them. For example, the green-spored parasol mushroom is toxic, whereas the similar-looking shaggy parasol is edible.
It is also important to separate safe, edible mushrooms from those that you are unsure about. Some mushrooms are very delicate and can easily break into pieces, so you don't want small pieces of poisonous mushrooms mixed in with the edible ones.
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Symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary from gastric upset to organ failure
Poisonous mushrooms contain a variety of toxins that differ in toxicity. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary from mild gastrointestinal upset to organ failure and death. Serious symptoms do not always occur immediately after eating, often not until the toxin attacks the kidney or liver, sometimes days or weeks later.
The most common consequence of mushroom poisoning is gastrointestinal upset, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, there are several recognized mushroom toxins with specific, and sometimes deadly, effects. For example, Gyromitrin affects multiple body systems, leading to stupor, delirium, muscle cramps, loss of coordination, tremors, and seizures. It also causes severe gastrointestinal irritation, leading to vomiting and diarrhea, and in some cases, liver failure. Orellanine, on the other hand, may take 2 days to 3 weeks to cause symptoms, ultimately resulting in kidney failure and death if left untreated.
Mushroom poisoning can be challenging to identify and treat due to the wide variety of toxins and manifestations. Treatment is typically guided by symptoms and may include supportive care, administration of activated charcoal, and specific treatments for liver failure. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if mushroom poisoning is suspected, and providing a sample or description of the mushroom can aid in identification and treatment.
While most mushroom poisonings exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, it is important to recognize that mild nausea can be an early sign of severe illness. Therefore, even mild symptoms require evaluation, especially considering the potential for organ failure and other devastating consequences. The period between ingestion and the onset of symptoms varies, and some toxins may take days to show symptoms identifiable as mushroom poisoning.
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Pets can also suffer from mushroom poisoning
Mushrooms can be toxic to pets, and they can suffer from mushroom poisoning. Dogs are more likely than cats to ingest mushrooms, but both animals are curious and prone to nibbling on things they find outdoors. Mushrooms grow in many places where pets roam, including wooded areas, rocky terrains, grassy parks, and even backyards.
Pets can develop a range of illnesses from eating wild mushrooms, from mild gastroenteritis-type syndromes to severe life-threatening diseases that can lead to death. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning in pets can vary, but often include gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. In more severe cases, mushroom poisoning can lead to organ failure, affecting the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. Some toxins in mushrooms can also cause respiratory failure.
If you suspect your pet has ingested a wild mushroom, prompt treatment is critical. Take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. If the ingestion has just occurred, the veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove the mushrooms from the pet's stomach. Activated charcoal can also be administered to bind with the toxin and prevent its absorption. In some cases, a gastric lavage may be performed to eliminate any remaining mushrooms from the stomach. Intravenous fluids will also be given to combat dehydration and flush toxins from the body.
It is important to remove any mushrooms from areas where your pets roam to prevent accidental ingestion. If you are unsure if a mushroom is safe, do not let your pets near it. It is recommended that you only allow your pets to eat mushrooms that you have bought from a reputable source and that are specifically intended for animal consumption.
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Mushroom toxins can cause euphoria and altered sensorium
While most mushroom poisonings exhibit symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, certain mushroom toxins can cause euphoria and altered sensorium. These toxins are called psilocybin and psilocin, and they are found in mushrooms known as magic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms are psychedelic drugs that can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. They are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and they typically last for 4–12 hours.
Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. However, it is not considered to be addictive, and it is currently being studied for its potential benefits in medical settings. For example, psilocybin may show promise in helping to treat or manage certain conditions. Nonetheless, people who consume magic mushrooms may experience disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, short-term psychosis, and panic. Some people who take psilocybin may also experience persistent, distressing alterations to how they see the world, known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder, which is rare.
In addition to these risks, it is important to note that magic mushrooms closely resemble some poisonous mushrooms that can cause serious illness or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to correctly identify mushrooms before consuming them. In cases of suspected mushroom poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and, if possible, provide a sample or photo of the mushroom to help with identification and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some mushrooms can be deadly if ingested. Poisonous mushrooms contain a variety of different toxins that can cause severe liver and kidney damage, organ failure, and even death.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning may vary from slight gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, to more serious symptoms like organ failure and death. Serious symptoms do not always occur immediately and may take days or weeks to appear.
There is no reliable home test to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms. The only way to safely identify a wild mushroom is to have it examined by a mushroom expert (mycologist). If you are unsure, it is best to avoid eating it and only consume mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer.
If you suspect mushroom poisoning, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Seek immediate medical attention by contacting your local poison control center or emergency services. Provide as much information as possible about the mushroom, including its description, the amount ingested, and any other relevant details.
Unless you are an expert, it is not recommended to consume wild mushrooms. Familiarize yourself with both edible and poisonous mushroom varieties, as well as their similarities, to avoid accidental poisoning. Always purchase mushrooms from reputable sources to ensure food safety.
