Mushroom Poisoning: Warning Signs and Urgent Help

If someone may have eaten a wild or unknown mushroom, call Poison Help now at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Do not wait for symptoms. [1] The line is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [2]

Call 911 immediately if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be woken. [2] Confusion, vomiting and drowsiness are listed warning signs of mushroom poisoning. [1] Severe vomiting with confusion also needs urgent help, so call 911 if in doubt and describe the signs to the dispatcher.

Why not to wait

• Poison center experts say symptoms may not develop for a couple of days, and serious damage may already have happened by then. [1]
• The NHS (UK) likewise says poisoning symptoms may take a few hours or days to start, so medical advice should be sought quickly if there is a chance of poisoning. [3]
• A toxicologist at UC Davis Health said delayed symptoms are one of the most concerning signs. [4] Feeling fine at first does not mean the person is safe, and early mild symptoms do not rule out a serious problem.

Warning signs poison centers list

The University of Kansas Poison Control Center lists these effects of poisonous mushrooms: blood disorders, confusion, death, diarrhea, drowsiness, heart, liver and kidney damage, seizures, stomach pain and vomiting. [1] A toxicologist at UC Davis Health noted that some species damage the liver, others affect the kidneys, and one type can trigger seizures. [4]

What not to rely on

This site gives no way to tell safe from unsafe mushrooms, because none is reliable at home.

• Even very experienced mushroom gatherers can have a hard time determining whether a mushroom is safe to eat. [1]
• Cooking, canning, pickling, freezing and drying do not remove the toxins from poisonous mushrooms. [1]
• An animal eating a mushroom does not mean it is safe for people. [1]
• A photo or an app cannot replace expert help; see plant and mushroom poisoning: never rely on a photo or app.

While you wait for help

The poison center will tell you what to do and whether to keep any sample. Follow their instructions. The NHS (UK) advises not trying to make someone sick and not giving them anything to eat or drink. [3] Do not go back out to collect more mushrooms.

What treatment looks like

According to UC Davis Health, there is no simple antidote; treatment is mostly supportive, such as IV fluids and critical care, and sometimes a liver transplant. [4] Doctors can work with the poison center to identify the mushroom and advise on what symptoms to watch for. [4] Early medical care is essential. [4]

Allergy is different from poisoning

Some people are allergic to mushrooms that are not considered poisonous. [1] Swelling of the face or tongue or trouble breathing is an emergency; see when to seek medical help and mushroom allergy and food intolerance.

Children, pets and other countries

For a child, call right away; do not wait to see what happens. For a pet, animal poison lines are separate; see pet and animal poisoning. Outside the US, see poison help by country. First steps for any poisoning are in Poisoning: what to do first.

Psychoactive mushrooms and supplements

Psychedelic mushrooms are a separate topic; see medicinal vs psychedelic mushrooms. For a reaction to a mushroom supplement, see when to seek medical help.