Mushrooms: twice as many poisonings in New Aquitaine this year

Le Figaro Bordeaux

Still mild temperatures extend the mushroom picking season in New Aquitaine. A region known for its abundance of porcini mushrooms, chanterelles and chanterelles. But in case of wrong identification, it is very likely that you will experience vomiting and diarrhea. Some mushrooms can even be deadly. Poisonings are increasing in New Aquitaine this year.

From September 1 to November 15, about 400 cases of mushroom poisoning were registered at the University Hospital of Bordeaux. Figaro Dr. Magali Labadi, head of the poison control center or “twice as much as last year“. He notes that people often confuse porcini mushrooms with other mushrooms of the same genus. Boletuslike Bolete Satan.

Danger of “terrible diarrhea”.

These poisonings manifest as resinoid syndrome, a type of acute gastroenteritis. People who have ingested this mushroomvomiting bowels and intestinesand often suffer simultaneouslyterrible diarrheasays Dr. Magali Labadi. This diarrhea and vomiting is sometimes so severe that it can lead to dehydration and kidney failure, thus sending patients to the hospital.

Some mushroom pickers lack mycological knowledge and make the mistake of eating mushrooms without checking that they are indeed edible varieties. But the vast majority of drug addicts have reasons. “They know the general appearance of the mushroom, but not the distinguishing features of the cap, stem, or color. They eat the mushroom they’re looking for that looks a bit like it, but which isn’t the right onesays Dr. Magali Labadi.

When in doubt, it is recommended to always photograph the collected mushrooms so that they can be quickly identified when symptoms appear. In case of doubt, it is recommended to ask for help from a pharmacist or mycology company. “Mycologists are all there to help the family identify the basket of mushrooms– recalls Dr. Magali Labadi. Finally, the practitioner advises to always carefully examine the collected mushrooms one by one. A slightly different sample can potentially ruin an entire selection.