Laura Smith
Mushroom poisoning is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur from ingesting toxic wild mushrooms. It is difficult to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms, and there are no home tests to do so. Poisoning can cause a range of symptoms, from mild gastrointestinal issues to organ failure and death. To avoid mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to refrain from consuming wild mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain of their edibility. Familiarize yourself with both edible and toxic mushroom species, and if you suspect poisoning, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, keep your pets away from wild mushrooms, as they can also fall ill from consuming them.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid wild mushrooms, especially from the ground
It is important to avoid consuming wild mushrooms, especially those picked from the ground. Mushroom poisoning can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can even lead to organ failure and death. Many wild mushrooms closely resemble toxic varieties in terms of colour and morphology, making misidentification a common cause of poisoning. To avoid this, one must familiarize themselves with both edible and toxic mushroom species, as well as their look-alikes, before foraging.
It is also crucial to avoid mushrooms that grow in polluted environments, near busy highways, or in areas with potential pesticide exposure. Fungi absorb pollutants and chemicals, making these mushrooms unsafe for consumption. Even mushrooms that appear edible can be toxic if they are past their prime or rotting. Always ensure that you are properly trained in identifying edible mushroom varieties and, if in doubt, refrain from consuming wild mushrooms altogether.
When foraging, it is recommended to bring a mushroom hunting guide specific to your region and to store your findings in a basket, mesh bag, paper bag, or small backpack. Some experts advise against cleaning wild mushrooms before storage, as this may lead to quicker spoilage. However, others suggest cleaning them before refrigeration to remove excess dirt. Fresh, wild mushrooms should be refrigerated, frozen, or dried to increase their shelf life.
If you suspect mushroom poisoning, seek immediate medical attention and bring a sample of the mushroom, if available, to aid in diagnosis. Mushroom toxins can cause a variety of symptoms, and even mild nausea may indicate the onset of severe illness. To stay safe, it is best to purchase wild mushrooms from reputable sources, such as vendors who can provide proof of inspection by a mushroom identification expert.
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Familiarise yourself with toxic species
Mushroom poisoning is a serious and potentially deadly issue. It is usually the result of mistaking a toxic mushroom species for an edible one. This is because many toxic mushrooms closely resemble non-toxic mushrooms in terms of colour and general morphology. For example, the toxic species Amanita bisporigera, also known as the "death cap", is often mistaken for edible varieties, leading to severe liver toxicity and even death if immediate treatment is not received. Another toxic species, Gyromitra spp., or "false morels", contain a toxin called gyromitrin, which can cause neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and destruction of blood cells. Even after parboiling, this mushroom may not be entirely safe to consume.
To avoid mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with toxic mushroom species and their characteristics. This knowledge is especially important for amateur foragers who are new to the hobby. Knowing the local geography and understanding the vast number of differing mushroom species and their potential look-alikes can significantly reduce the risk of accidental ingestion.
When identifying mushrooms, it is essential to consider various physical traits, such as colour, texture, and cap appearance. The presence of gills, for example, is a characteristic of the prototypical mushroom structure, with gills aiding in spore production. However, it is important to note that not all fungi follow this anatomical structure, as some mushrooms are stemless. Additionally, some toxic mushrooms may exhibit observable characteristics or phenotypes that co-occur with toxicity, serving as warning signals. These warning signs can include aposematism, where physical traits or odours warn off potential predators.
While it is challenging to identify toxic mushrooms with absolute certainty, learning about common toxic species and their characteristics can significantly reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. Some of the most well-known toxic mushrooms include the "death cap" (Amanita), the "web cap", "destroying angels", "false morels" (Gyromitra spp.), and the common field mushroom (Agaricus campestris), which contains the highly toxic peptide alpha-amanitin. It is also important to note that some mushrooms, such as Coprinus species, can cause toxicity when consumed with alcohol due to the presence of coprine, a disulfiram-like compound.
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Do not consume mushrooms before alcohol
Mushroom poisoning is a serious condition that can lead to death in some cases. It is caused by the ingestion of mushrooms containing toxic substances, and symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal issues to organ failure. To avoid mushroom poisoning, it is important to follow certain guidelines, such as refraining from consuming mushrooms picked from the ground and familiarizing oneself with both edible and toxic mushroom species.
One important guideline to avoid mushroom poisoning is to not consume mushrooms before drinking alcohol. This is because certain mushrooms contain toxins that interact with alcohol, leading to adverse effects. For example, Gyromitra spp., also known as "false morels," contain a toxin called gyromitrin, which is harmless on its own but can cause neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and destruction of blood cells when ingested with alcohol. Similarly, some mushrooms in the Coprinus species contain coprine, a toxin that inhibits an enzyme required for breaking down alcohol, resulting in symptoms similar to a hangover, such as flushing, headache, nausea, palpitations, and even trouble breathing in severe cases.
The effects of combining alcohol with magic mushrooms or "shrooms" can also be unpredictable and dangerous. Shrooms contain psilocybin, a natural hallucinogenic and psychoactive compound. When combined with alcohol, the effects of both substances can be intensified, leading to an increased risk of accidents, bodily injury, and adverse health issues. Additionally, the intoxicating effects of alcohol and shrooms may be masked by each other, leading to potential overconsumption of either substance.
Furthermore, consuming shrooms and alcohol together can lead to a "bad trip," which involves frightening or unpleasant physical and mental symptoms. During a bad trip, individuals may experience hallucinations, an inability to distinguish reality, aggressive behavior, or violent tendencies, posing a risk to themselves and others. The likelihood of a bad trip is higher when consuming large amounts or strong batches of shrooms. Therefore, it is strongly advised to refrain from consuming mushrooms before drinking alcohol to prevent potential harmful consequences.
To summarize, avoiding the consumption of mushrooms before alcohol is crucial to prevent mushroom poisoning and adverse interactions between mushroom toxins and alcohol. By following this guideline and familiarizing oneself with toxic and edible mushroom species, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of mushroom-related illnesses and ensure a safer experience.
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If you suspect poisoning, call the Poison Control Centre
If you suspect mushroom poisoning, it is important to act quickly and call the Poison Control Centre. The Poison Control Centre can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 and is available 24 hours a day. This number should be kept in your phone contacts for easy access in case of emergency.
When you call the Poison Control Centre, be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the mushroom that was ingested. This includes a description of the mushroom, such as its color, texture, and cap appearance (smooth, brain-like, small, large, etc.). Additionally, information about the amount consumed, the location and season of collection, and whether there was any alcohol intake is also important. If possible, try to bring a sample of the mushroom to help with identification.
The Poison Control Centre will provide guidance and support based on the information provided. They may ask about the onset of symptoms and any physical examination findings. In severe cases, they may recommend targeting additional studies based on the presentation of symptoms, such as hepatic failure, altered mental status, hypoxia, or respiratory distress.
It is important to note that mushroom poisoning can be difficult to diagnose, and medical professionals often rely on the information provided by the patient or their companions. Therefore, it is crucial to be as detailed as possible when describing the mushroom and any symptoms that may be occurring.
If the person experiencing suspected mushroom poisoning is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions, call 911 immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
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If your pet eats a wild mushroom, call the Animal Poisons Helpline
While only a small percentage of the world's mushroom species are toxic, the ones that are poisonous can be extremely dangerous. It is difficult to tell the difference between toxic and non-toxic mushrooms, and wild mushrooms can be poisonous to both humans and dogs. If you suspect mushroom poisoning in yourself, call your doctor or the Poison Control Center. If someone else is presenting symptoms, call 911 if they are unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions.
If your pet eats a wild mushroom, it is recommended that you call a 24/7 poison control helpline for animals, such as the ASPCA Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Help Line. Alternatively, you can call your vet. It is important to act quickly, as mushroom toxins damage the kidneys, liver, and neurological systems. If less than two hours have passed since ingestion, a veterinarian may induce vomiting or use activated charcoal to bind and remove toxins from the stomach.
To identify whether a wild mushroom is toxic, you can use a mushroom identification app or familiarise yourself with the mushrooms in your area, including both edible and toxic species. Mushrooms that grow in the ground are more dangerous than those that grow on living trees, and mushrooms growing in lawns may have been exposed to pesticides and other chemicals. It is also important to keep in mind that mushrooms that are safe for humans may not be safe for dogs, especially when served with sauces, oils, and seasonings.
Some of the most toxic wild mushrooms include Amanita phalloides (commonly known as "death cap"), Galerina marginata ("deadly Galerina" or "Galerina autumnalis"), Inocybe spp., Clitocybe dealbata, and Gyromitra spp. ("false morels"). The symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs depend on the species of mushroom and the quantity consumed. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, ataxia (wobbliness), and tremors. In more severe cases, dogs may experience seizures, liver failure, acute kidney injury, and death.
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