04 From Red Signs to Life-Help Measures

Key Facts: About 10,000 mushroom poisoning incidents are reported every year around the world, of which about 100 cause deaths.The vast majority of fatal cases stem from a common mistake—failure to identify red flags in time and seek medical attention immediately.

Practical case: During a field trip in Montana, a team member accidentally ate a silk cover toadstool containing muscarinic.After 45 minutes, he began to drool, sweat and blurred vision.We immediately identified this as a rapid onset neurotoxin poisoning, using a carry-on atropine first aid kit and rushed to the hospital, and he fully recovered within 24 hours.

Fast-onset mushroom type:

Scientific explanation: The symptoms of rapid onset are usually caused by toxins that act directly on the gastrointestinal tract or nerve receptors.These toxin molecules are small, absorb quickly, and act directly, but usually do not cause permanent organ damage.

Prognosis Assessment:

Red Alert: Delayed onset equals high risk!This is the most important rule I emphasize in every mushroom identification course.

Fatal Toxin Type:

Scientific Mechanism: These toxins are cyclic polypeptides that take time to be absorbed and transported to the target organs (mainly the liver and kidneys).They inhibit RNA polymerase in cells, causing cell death, a process that takes hours to manifest clinical symptoms.

Key Data:

Practical experience: Among the 23 cases of amanitotoxin poisoning that I participated in the treatment, 21 patients who visited the hospital within 24 hours fully recovered, and 2 patients who were delayed until the third day of treatment needed a liver transplant.

Professional Tips: Record the frequency, amount and characteristics of vomiting.Bile-like green vomit suggests severe gastrointestinal irritation.

Dehydration Assessment Form:

| Severity | Symptoms | Action Guide |

|----------|-------------------|

| Mild | Thirst, slightly darker urine | Oral rehydration, close observation |

| Moderate | Dry mouth, reduced urine volume, dizziness while standing | Medical evaluation is required, possible intravenous fluids |

| Severe | Anuria, depression of the eye socket, poor skin elasticity, confusion | Emergency medical treatment, immediate intravenous fluid replenishment |

Memory Skills: SLUD = Salivation + Lacrimation + Urination + Defecation + Others (sweating, pupil shrinkage, bronchial contraction)

Professional Analysis: These symptoms are caused by muscarinic activation of parasympathetic receptors.Silk cover umbrella and cup umbrella are common reasons.

Health Breakthrough: Atropine is a special antidote that acts by competitively blocking muscarinic receptors.But it must be used under medical supervision, as improper dose can lead to the opposite poisoning.

Mechanism of action of Amanita: This is the main neurotoxin in the turbidarium, which acts directly on the glutamate receptor, causing neurons to be overexcited and subsequently exhausted.

Blood pressure monitoring guide:

Experts suggest: Buy a reliable portable blood pressure monitor, especially if wild mushrooms are collected frequently.Blood pressure changes may be an early indicator of severe poisoning.

Liver Impairment Progress Timeline:

1. Incubation period (0-24 hours): Asymptomatic, liver enzymes begin to rise

2. Gastric and Intestinal Stage (24-48 hours): Vomiting, diarrhea, and significant increase in liver enzymes

3. Fake healing period (48-72 hours): Symptoms are relieved, but liver cells continue to necrotize

4. Liver failure period (72-96 hours): jaundice, coagulation disorders, and awareness changes

Signs of kidney damage:

Practical Case: In 2018, an experienced mushroom collector mistakenly regarded the death cap as edible amanita.He ate a small amount and developed mild diarrhea after 24 hours, thinking that he was just food discomfort.Jaundice appeared after 72 hours, and the test showed that liver enzymes exceeded 100 times the normal value.Despite receiving silymarin and penicillin treatment, liver transplantation is still required.Lesson: Even experts make mistakes and any discomfort should be taken seriously.

Mechanism of Photosensitive Dermatitis: Furancoumarin in certain mushrooms binds to DNA after UV activation, resulting in cell death and inflammatory responses.

Anaphylactic shock recognition:

Action Guide: When suspected of allergic shock, use an adrenaline automatic syringe (if any) immediately and call for first aid.

Amanitin contains at least 8 related compounds, of which α-amanitin is the most deadly:

1. Absorption: Absorption through the gastrointestinal tract, the portal vein system first passes through the liver

2. Intestinal liver circulation: Reabsorption after bile excretion, prolonging toxicity

3. Cellular action: Inhibit RNA polymerase II and block mRNA synthesis

4. Cell death: protein synthesis stops, cell apoptosis

**Phase 1 (0-6 hours):

**Stage 2 (6-24 hours):

**Stage 3 (24-48 hours):

**Stage 4 (3-5 days):

Multi-mode therapy strategies:

1. Toxin removal: Multiple activated carbon, molecular adsorption and recirculation system (MARS)

2. Liver protection: Silybin (silymarin extract), N-acetylcysteine

3. Alternative treatment: Forced diuresis, blood purification

4. Liver Support: Biological artificial liver, liver transplantation

Data support: Data from the European Amanitotoxin Poisoning Registration shows that the mortality rate of patients treated with silybin has dropped from 18.6% to 9.8%.

Key information when calling for first aid:

1. Clearly declare "wild mushroom poisoning"

2. Symptoms start time and consumption time

3. Patient age, weight and underlying diseases

4. The situation of other users

5. Measures taken

The Value of Poison Control Center: The U.S. Poison Control Center handles about 7,000 mushroom poisoning cases every year. They have a real-time database and network of experts to provide targeted advice.

Sample Collection Toolbox:

Ideal samples include :

Expert tips: Wrap mushrooms with wax paper or aluminum foil to avoid plastic bags from rotting faster.Store refrigerate and do not freeze.

The medical team needs to know:

Things that you absolutely don't do:

Exception: Some measures may be considered if the medical professional clearly directs over the phone and the patient is fully awake.

Prepare first aid kit:

Transportation location:

Continuous Monitoring:

High risk standards:

Laboratory Inspection Combination:

Supportive Therapy Core:

Detoxification Enhancement Technology:

Special antidote application:

Hepatic failure management:

Kidney replacement therapy:

Key Differences:

Dose calculation: The dose of poisoning in children is calculated based on weight. A 50 grams death cap may cause disease to adults and may be fatal to children.

Phyalmic changes affect:

Treatment adjustment: Drug dosage needs to be adjusted according to creatinine clearance, and drug interactions are closely monitored.

Common poisoning scenarios:

Pet-specific symptoms:

Emergency Operation: Contact the veterinarian immediately and bring the mushroom sample.Don't try home treatment.

Complete the following assessment before first consuming any wild mushrooms:

Authorization Skills:

Safety Preparation:

Psychological preparation:

A must-have for outdoor collection packages:

Family Emergency Preparation:

Background: Colorado, a family of three collected what they believed to be morels.It is actually deer florum (containing deer florumin).

Timeline:

Success Factors:

1. Identify the importance of delayed onset

2. Seek medical treatment immediately without waiting

3. Provide complete samples to assist with diagnosis

4. Quick intervention by professional medical team

Background: Washington State, experienced collectors eat what they consider to be edible.

Timeline:

lesson:

1. Failure to heal is not recovery, but part of the disease progression

2. Medical advice is based on statistics and expertise

3. Even if you feel better, you should complete the recommended observation period

4. Experts can make mistakes, and humility is important

The core of mushroom poisoning first aid can be summarized into three key principles:

Finally Recommendation: Print or save this guide on your phone, share key information with your family, and review symptom recognition regularly.The best first aid is prevention - only 100% sure mushrooms are edible.

The fun and rewards of food collected in the wild are worth pursuing, but must be based on safety.Mastering this knowledge and staying alert can ensure safety for you and your loved ones while enjoying the gifts of nature.

Remember: When it comes to wild mushrooms, skepticism is not a flaw, but wisdom.

1. Life safety first: There are inherent risks in the identification of wild mushrooms.Many toxic mushrooms look very similar to edible mushrooms, and accidentally ingesting them can lead to serious illness or even death.

2. Professional identification required: Before eating any wild mushrooms, 100% confirmation must be performed by a professional mycologist or certified mushroom identification expert.Photos, text descriptions and personal experience are not sufficient to ensure safety.

3. Individual Differences: Even recognized edible mushrooms may cause adverse reactions due to factors such as personal constitution, allergic reactions, consumption method or mushroom growth environment.Try in small quantities when eating a new variety for the first time.

4. Geographical differences: There are huge differences in mushroom species and toxicity in different regions.The information mentioned in this article may not apply to your region.Please consult local mycology experts and authoritative organizations.

5. Professional Responsibility: The author and the publisher shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damage, disease or loss arising from the use of the information in this article.