Health Care Encyclopedia
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Lily-of-the-valleyDefinition: This is poisoning from eating�parts of the lily-of-the-valley plant.
Alternative Names: Liljekonvall
Poisonous Ingredient: Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Where Found: The fruit, leaves, flowers, and roots of the lily-of-the-valley plant. Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms: Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat Skin Gastrointestinal - Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or nausea
- Stomach�pain
- Diarrhea
Heart and blood - Irregular or slow heartbeat
Nervous system Note: Depression, loss of appetite, and halos are usually only seen in chronic overdose cases.
Before Calling Emergency: Determine the following information: - Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the plant, if�known �
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number: The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room, if possible. See National Poison Control Center.
What to expect at the emergency room: The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate,�blood pressure, and heart function. The patient may receive: - EKG
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Medicines to make the person throw up
- Medicine to reverse the effect of the poison
- Activated charcoal
- Laxative
- Blood tests to determine serum magnesium levels and serum potassium levels
- Treatment to correct electrolyte (potassium, magnesium) imbalances
Expectations (prognosis): If the individual survives the first 24 hours their chances of survival are very good.
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| Review Date: 3/21/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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