Mushroom Poisonings

Abstract

Although about 135, 000 mushroom species have been discovered so far, it is thought that there are about 2.2-3.8 million different types of mushrooms. It is known that 50-100 of these mushrooms are poisonous. The type of mushroom that causes the poisoning cannot be determined in mushroom poisonings. When classifying toxic fungi, first of all, the duration of effect after entry into the body and the systems they target are taken into account. Intoxication where symptoms begin in the acute period; Symptoms begin within the first 6 hours after ingestion of the toxic mushroom. These are mostly non-fatal poisonings. Gastrointestinal system irritants, hallucinogens, and neurotoxic, cholinergic, and disulfiram-like effects can be classified as allergic. Poisonings with late-onset of symptoms; Symptoms and signs begin to appear 6 hours after the ingestion of mushrooms. This group of poisonings is more serious and has a high probability of mortality. Therefore, they need to be evaluated more carefully. Amanita phalloides contains amatoxin and is responsible for 90% of deaths due to mushroom poisoning. Mushroom poisonings continue to be among the differential diagnoses that should always be kept in mind as an important cause of mortality and morbidity.