MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Philodendron

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Philodendron

Contents of this page:
Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms Home Treatment	Before Calling Emergency Poison Control, or a local emergency number What to expect at the emergency room Expectations (prognosis)

Definition

Poisoning caused by consumption of plant material of the philodendron plant.

Poisonous Ingredient

oxalic acid
asparagine, a protein found in this plant

Note: The leaves and stems are the most dangerous if eaten in quantity.

Where Found

philodendron

Note: This plant may have other names.

Symptoms

body as a whole
- burning in mouth
- swelling of tongue
- swelling of mouth
- slurred speech
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- burning in throat
gastrointestinal
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea

Home Treatment

Wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth. Give milk to drink.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
name of the plant and the parts eaten
the time it was swallowed
the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room for identification.

What to expect at the emergency room

Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)

Oxalate plants may cause swelling severe enough to block the airway (causing breathing difficulties), but this is very rare.

Update Date: 2/23/2004

Updated by: Cherlin Johnson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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