Pointing out that mushroom poisoning generally increases in spring and autumn, Assoc. Dr. Önmez said, “During these periods, suitable conditions are created for the growth of wild mushrooms in nature. More cases are reported in Turkey, especially between September and November, because this is the time when mushrooms are most frequently collected and consumed. Additionally, the number of mushrooms increases after spring rains. Although the incidence of mushroom poisoning in the general population cannot be expressed in exact numbers, most cases of mushroom poisoning occur after the 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 Information Center every year, and this number is increasing every year. “Such poisonings are more common, especially in rural areas,” he said.
“HE LOST 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 fungi destroy liver cells, causing serious damage and can lead to death. This species is responsible for 95 percent of all mushroom poisoning deaths. Some types of mushrooms, such as Cortinarius, can cause kidney failure. Some mushrooms can cause hallucinations and neurological symptoms. Risks include severe liver failure that may require a liver transplant and kidney failure that may require dialysis. “In a study conducted in Turkey, 2.8 percent of cases presenting with mushroom poisoning died due to liver failure,” he said.
“IT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES”
Providing information about the symptoms of mushroom poisoning, Önmez said, “Generally, mushroom poisoning; It begins with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, sweating, weakness, palpitations and low blood pressure. The time until symptoms appear after eating mushrooms is called the incubation period. “While a short incubation period (symptoms appearing within 2-3 hours) is usually milder, a long incubation period (symptoms appearing after 6-24 hours) can lead to more serious consequences such as liver and kidney failure.” He continued his explanations by saying.
Underlining that an emergency room should be consulted immediately when symptoms of poisoning occur, Önmez said, “A sample of the mushroom the patient ate should be taken with him to the hospital, so that the type of poisonous mushroom can be determined. In the emergency department, gastric lavage, activated charcoal to reduce the absorption of toxins, liquid electrolyte support to prevent dehydration, and, if necessary, toxicity-reducing medications are administered. “If the patient develops renal failure, hemodialysis may be required.”
“CULTURAL MUSHROOMS PURCHASED FROM RELIABLE SOURCES SHOULD BE PREFERRED”
Önmez emphasized that it may be misleading to distinguish mushrooms based on their appearance in order to be protected from mushroom poisoning and said, “There may be poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms with the same appearance. For this reason, mushrooms collected from unrecognized and unreliable sources should never be consumed. “Instead, only cultivated mushrooms from reliable sources should be preferred,” he said.
“IT MAY BE LIFE THREATENING”
Underlining that mushroom poisoning can have serious and fatal consequences, Assoc. Dr. Önmez said, “Although picking mushrooms in nature seems like an enjoyable activity, consuming the wrong mushroom can be life-threatening. The risk is especially greater for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. For safe mushroom consumption, it is important to choose only cultivated mushrooms from reliable sources. Early intervention saves lives in mushroom poisoning. He concluded his statement by saying, “When symptoms of poisoning occur, medical help should be sought without delay and the symptoms should not be taken lightly.”
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