Jerusalem cherry poisoning
This is poisoning caused by eating pieces of the Jerusalem cherry plant.
Christmas cherry poisoning; Ornamental pepper poisoning; Tom thumb poisoning; Winter cherry poisoning
The poison is found throughout the Jerusalem cherry plant, but especially in the unripened fruit and leaves.
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Slowed breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Slow pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Coma
Call the Poison Control center for guidance. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed.
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number |
|
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See National Poison Control center.
What to expect at the emergency room |
|
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
The patient may receive:
- Fluids
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Activated charcoal
- A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
Death has been reported but is rare.
Review Date:
3/21/2006
Reviewd By:
Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.