Poisonous Plants: Perils in Nature

Abstract

Poisonous plants are of great concern to any parent or health care practitioner. Household and landscape plants account for 7.1 % of all poisonous exposures in children. Many parents and health care professionals are aware of other potential poisons in the house; however, many times plants are overlooked as a potential poison. Though most plants are associated with only minor symptoms from dermal contact or ingestion, there are some that are associated with significant toxic effects that can be fatal. Poisonous plants are classified as anticholinergic, cardiac glycoside, cyanogenic, central nervous system stimulant/hallucinogens and severe gastrointestinal irritants. Many times these toxic plants produce a multitude of symptoms called a toxidrome. It is important for health care professionals to recognize these toxidromes and be knowledgeable about the proper treatment modalities.