Dr. Fariborz Imani, in an interview with ISNA news agency, pointed to
the arrival of the season for the growth of various wild mushrooms and
the dangers of consuming poisonous mushrooms. He stated that poisonous
mushroom poisoning is a type of food poisoning that can lead to
gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, and even death. Therefore, it
is necessary for people to refrain from consuming wild mushrooms.
Emphasizing that it is impossible to determine whether a mushroom is
poisonous or non-poisonous based on its appearance, taste, smell, or
color, he noted: "Traditional methods such as using vinegar, the
discoloration of a silver spoon upon contact with the mushroom, the
growth location, the presence of insects around the mushroom, etc., are
by no means reliable indicators of whether a mushroom is poisonous or
not."
The Deputy of Health Affairs at Kermanshah University of Medical
Sciences added: "Even if domestic and wild animals and birds eat a
mushroom and do not get poisoned, it is not a reason to assume that
humans will not be poisoned."
Imani stated that the only definitive way to determine if a mushroom is poisonous is through laboratory methods.
He explained that the symptoms of poisonous mushroom poisoning usually
appear five to 24 hours after consumption, continuing: "Nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, and watery diarrhea are among the most
important of these symptoms, for which symptomatic and supportive
treatments, including intravenous fluids, are usually considered."
The Deputy of Health Affairs at Kermanshah University of Medical
Sciences reminded that in some cases, two to six days after consuming
poisonous mushrooms, symptoms such as severe liver failure, kidney
failure and decreased urination, weakness, confusion, neurological
symptoms, low blood sugar, increased bilirubin, decreased consciousness,
etc., appear in the individual, which may ultimately be fatal.
Imani emphasized that the most important point for treating individuals
poisoned by mushrooms is to seek medical attention quickly, adding:
"Rapid transfer increases the chance of successful treatment and reduces
the risk of death. In addition, it is recommended that people bring a
piece of the consumed mushroom with them when visiting medical centers,
as this will help with the individual's treatment."
He advised people not to consume wild mushrooms or even bulk mushrooms
sold in the market during this time and to only buy packaged mushrooms
from reputable centers.
The Deputy of Health Affairs at Kermanshah University of Medical
Sciences stated that in many cases, the toxins present in mushrooms are
heat-resistant, saying: "Frying, grilling, steaming, and other cooking
methods do not eliminate the toxins present in them."