Health Care Encyclopedia
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DieffenbachiaDefinition: This article describes poisoning caused by eating the Dieffenbachia plant leaf.
Alternative Names: Dumbcane; Leopard lily; Tuft root
Symptoms: The possible symptoms include: - Burning in mouth or throat
- Swelling in mouth or tongue
- Hoarse voice
- Eye pain
- Corneal abrasion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Home Treatment: Wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth. Give milk to drink.
Before Calling Emergency: Determine the following information: - The patient's age, weight, and condition
- The parts of the plant that were�eaten
- The time it was swallowed
- The amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number: Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room for identification.
What to expect at the emergency room: The symptoms will be treated.
Expectations (prognosis): These�plants may cause swelling severe enough to block the airway, but this is very rare.
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| Review Date: 2/13/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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