Mushroom poisoning (including amatoxin or death cap)

Overview

Death cap mushrooms are responsible for most deaths and can look like edible mushrooms.

Early vomiting and diarrhea may ease, then liver failure follows.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Ate wild mushrooms
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

Less common

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Belly pain
• Yellow skin later

Look up a symptom: Diarrhea · Nausea · Stomach pain · Vomiting · Yellow skin or eyes

When to get medical care

Causes

Toxic mushrooms.

Who is more likely to get it

• Foragers
• Children

Diagnosis

Hospital tests.

Treatment

Get help.

Self-care

• Bring a sample of the mushroom
• Keep the mushroom or a photo for identification

Which doctor treats this

• Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
• Poison Control can help right away, any time: call 1-800-222-1222.

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Call Poison Control for any mushroom eaten.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Fast care saves lives.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing my symptoms?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Mushroom poisoning (including amatoxin or death cap)