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Calla lily

Definition

This article describes poisoning caused by eating parts of a Calla lily plant.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Oxalic acid
• Asparagine, a protein found in this plant

Note: The roots are the most dangerous part of the plant.

Where Found

• Calla lily genus Zantedeschia

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Burning in mouth and throat
• Swelling of mouth and tongue
• Redness, swelling, pain, and burning of the eyes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. Wipe out the mouth with cold, wet cloth.

Give the person milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The 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 United States 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 hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

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. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

Expectations (prognosis)

Oxalate plants may cause swelling severe enough to block the airway but this is very rare.

Review Date:10/24/2007
Reviewed By:Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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