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Health Care Encyclopedia

Health Information Encyclopedia - Poison


Mistletoe

Definition:

This is poisoning from eating�any part of the mistletoe�plant.�The berries of the mistletoe plant are very poisonous. Poisoning can also if you�drink tea created from the plant or berries.



Poisonous Ingredient:

Toxic amines



Where Found:

The poisonous ingredient�is found in all parts of the plant, but especially�in the leaves.



Symptoms:

Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat

Gastrointestinal

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea

Heart and blood�

  • Irregular or slow heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Weakness

Nervous system



Home Treatment:



Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of the plant
  • Ttime 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, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

  • EKG
  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • Activated charcoal
  • Methods to make the person throw up�


Expectations (prognosis):

If the individual survives the first 24 hours their chances of survival are very good.




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.

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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