Düzce University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Diseases Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Attila Önmez drew attention to the increase in cases of poisoning due to the consumption of mushrooms that grow spontaneously in nature with the increase in rainfall.
Pointing out that mushroom poisoning usually increases in spring and autumn, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önmez said, “During these periods, suitable conditions for the growth of wild mushrooms occur in nature. In Turkey, more cases are reported especially between September and November, because this is the time when mushrooms are most frequently collected and consumed. The number of mushrooms also increases after spring rains. Although the incidence of mushroom poisoning in the general population cannot be expressed with precise figures, most cases of mushroom poisoning occur after consumption of wild mushrooms collected directly from the natural environment. In Turkey, more than 900 cases of mushroom poisoning are reported to the National Poison Advisory Center every year and this number is increasing every year. Such poisonings are more common especially in rural areas.”
“He loses his life due to liver failure”
Stating that mushroom poisoning can affect different organ systems depending on the type of toxin, Atilla Önmez said, “For example, mushroom species such as Amanita phalloides can cause liver failure. The toxins of these mushrooms cause serious damage by destroying liver cells and can cause death. This species is responsible for 95 percent of all mushroom poisoning deaths. Some mushroom species, such as Cortinarius, can cause kidney failure. Some mushrooms can cause hallucinations and neurological symptoms. Risks include liver failure severe enough to require liver transplantation and kidney failure requiring dialysis. In a study conducted in Turkey, 2.8 percent of the cases admitted with mushroom poisoning died due to liver failure.”
“It can lead to serious consequences”
Giving information about the symptoms of mushroom poisoning, Önmez said, “Generally, mushroom poisoning starts with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, sweating, weakness, palpitations and low blood pressure. The time after eating mushrooms until symptoms appear is called the incubation period. While the short incubation period (symptoms appearing within 2-3 hours) is usually milder, the long incubation period (symptoms appearing after 6-24 hours) can lead to more serious consequences such as liver and kidney failure.”
Underlining that an emergency room should be consulted immediately when symptoms of poisoning appear, Önmez said, “A sample of the mushroom eaten by the patient should be taken to the hospital so that the type of poisonous mushroom can be determined. In the emergency room, gastric lavage, activated charcoal to reduce the absorption of toxins, fluid electrolyte support to prevent dehydration and, if necessary, drugs to reduce toxicity are applied. If the patient develops renal failure, hemodialysis may be required.”
“Cultivated mushrooms from reliable sources should be preferred”
Emphasizing that it can be misleading to distinguish mushrooms according to their appearance in order to avoid mushroom poisoning, Önmez said, “Poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms with the same appearance can be found. For this reason, mushrooms collected from unrecognized and unreliable sources should never be consumed. Instead, only cultivated mushrooms from reliable sources should be preferred.”
“It can be life-threatening”
Underlining that mushroom poisoning can have serious and fatal consequences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önmez said, “Although collecting mushrooms in nature may seem like a pleasant activity, consuming the wrong mushroom can be life-threatening. Especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, the risk is greater. For safe mushroom consumption, it is important to prefer only cultivated mushrooms from reliable sources. Early intervention in mushroom poisoning saves lives. When symptoms of poisoning appear, medical help should be sought immediately and symptoms should not be underestimated.”
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