Poisoning due to mistaking daffodil leaves for chives

According to doctors from the Emergency and Poison Control Department of the National Children's Hospital ( Hanoi ), the family mistook daffodil leaves for chives, so they used daffodil leaves to cook porridge to treat coughs for the children. After eating, both children had stomachaches and vomited continuously. The family discovered the mistake and quickly took the children to the hospital.

PHOTO: NATIONAL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

At the Emergency and Poison Control Department, the children were monitored for vital functions and measures were taken to remove toxins from their bodies by washing their stomachs and using activated charcoal to absorb toxins and laxatives. Doctors also provided rehydration and electrolytes and performed tests to assess liver, kidney, and heart function to promptly detect complications. Fortunately, the health of the two children has now stabilized and they have been discharged from the hospital.

Poison control experts from the National Children's Hospital note: All parts of the daffodil plant are poisonous, especially the bulbs. The plant contains lycorine, which causes poisoning with symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, sweating, slow heart rate, etc. If you accidentally eat a large amount of daffodils, it can cause convulsions, inhibit circulation, respiration, and coma. In addition, the bulbs of daffodils contain oxalate, which if swallowed can cause burns and irritation of the lips, tongue, and throat.

In addition to daffodils, money plants and water yams can also cause burns and irritation to the mouth and throat if children eat them by mistake.

Doctors recommend that parents learn carefully about indoor plants to ensure children's safety. Avoid planting or displaying poisonous plants in areas where children are present, and keep indoor plants out of children's reach.

In case a child accidentally eats daffodils or other poisonous plants, parents should immediately take the child to the nearest medical facility for examination and timely treatment. Do not attempt to induce vomiting (by gagging) on the child.