The vast majority of modern homes have at least one plant in some of the rooms. This is a good practice, because plants can help clean the air, improve the appearance of any space, create a better atmosphere, and more. But homeowners should be careful, because some plants, such as Dieffenbachia (dumb cane), contain toxic compounds that can cause trouble.
In this article, we will talk about a plant that needs careful handling, yet many people keep it in their homes. Dieffenbachia, or Dumb Cane, is a plant that can be found in houses all over the world, and it is one that families with small children and pets should know about.
According to a widely shared story, a 5-year-old boy named Esteban was spending his free time around his house when all of a sudden he started feeling sharp pain in the abdominal area. In the beginning, his parents believed that he had eaten too many sugary products.
But the pain didn’t stop and even intensified after a while, and that’s why his parents took him to the hospital right away. After the examination, physicians determined that the boy had been poisoned by the plant.
The doctors started treating the boy at once, and the procedure was finished after 3 hours. During this time, the boy experienced anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. This is a serious, life-threatening emergency that needs urgent medical care.
The plant’s cells are loaded with crystals of calcium oxalate that come in the form of needles. The crystals are known as raphides. Many specialists in this field believe that the plant’s toxicity is also related to the presence of proteolytic enzymes that stimulate the release of histamine.
So, if a person chews a leaf of Dumb Cane, the crystals lead to a burning sensation and erythema (redness). In rare cases, Dieffenbachia can lead to tissue edema (swelling). In most cases, chewing or swallowing a small amount leads to mild symptoms.
If kids or pets come in contact with this plant, they can experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms, like oral irritation, numbness, heavy drooling, and swelling. In most cases, the symptoms are mild, and doctors can manage them with analgesics, antihistamines, and medical charcoal.
In rare cases, more intensive hospital treatment, such as gastric lavage, is needed. Seven out of ten people who are exposed to Dumb Cane and other toxic plants are kids younger than 5.
If you think a child has chewed or swallowed part of this plant, do not wait for symptoms and do not give any home treatment. Call your pediatrician, your local poison control center, or emergency services right away. To be on the safe side, keep the plant out of the reach of children and pets, and wash your hands after handling it.
Via Non-Stop Healthy
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.