Mushrooms involved: many genera (18 listed by Koppel in Table 9, page 1531)
Group in the POISINDEX classification: VII
Toxin: various, depending on mushroom genus and species.
Factors affecting toxins:
(1) Some toxins are heat labile and only cause problems if the mushroom is eaten raw.
(2) Some mushrooms may only contain significant amounts of toxin during certain times of the year or under certain environmental conditions. Drought may increase the concentration of the toxin.
Onset: usually from 15 minutes to 2 hours
Clinical symptoms:
(1) nausea and vomiting
(2) abdominal cramps
(3) abdominal pain
(4) diarrhea, which may be watery
(5) dehydration, especially in children
There should be no evidence of other organ toxicity:
(1) hemolytic anemia
(2) neurologic toxicity
(3) renal toxicity
(4) hepatic toxicity
(5) significant change in blood pressure or heart rate (other than simple tachycardia)
The syndrome tends to be self-limited, and usually resolves within 24 hours. Management is supportive.
A few mushrooms (such as Glhorophyllum molybdites) can produce symptoms for several days, with dehydration a significant problem.
