Tiger lily image by Oleg Pivovarov from Fotolia.com
There are many different types of lilies. They come in a variety of colors such as yellow, pink, white and even black. You may know them as Easter lilies, peace lilies, calla lilies or tiger lilies. One thing you may not be aware of, however, is that all of these exotic beauties are poisonous; when ingested, some can even be deadly.
Poisonous Parts
All parts of the lily, including flowers, fruit and leaves, are considered poisonous. Even the sap contained inside the leaves and stems can be an irritant. This sap may cause burning on your skin, or blistering on your mouth and esophagus if you chew and swallow the leaves.
There are many different types of lilies.
Even the sap contained inside the leaves and stems can be an irritant.
Symptoms In Humans
Signs that indicate that poisoning has occurred may include diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, drowsiness and weakness. Humans may experience depression or blurriness of vision and see halos around objects with the halo appearing in shades of yellow green or white. Depression and halos are generally seen in more advanced cases where there has been a chronic overdose.
Symptoms in Animals
Animals can display many of the same symptoms as humans. An indication that an animal has been poisoned may also include excessive drooling and depression. Both dogs and cats may have reactions to lilies, however plants such as the tiger lily are much more deadly for cats than for dogs. While dogs are more likely to have mild gastrointestinal distress, the tiger lily can cause kidney damage in cats; if you do not seek treatment immediately, it may even cause death.
Signs that indicate that poisoning has occurred may include diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, drowsiness and weakness.
While dogs are more likely to have mild gastrointestinal distress, the tiger lily can cause kidney damage in cats; if you do not seek treatment immediately, it may even cause death.
Treatment
When poisoning is suspected in humans or animals, seek immediate medical help. Do not induce vomiting since this may further aggravate your mouth and esophagus. Once at the hospital, poison victims may receive charcoal treatments, intravenous fluids (IV), support for breathing and an electrocardiogram (EKG). Both human and animals may spend several days in the hospital and receive supportive treatment during this time.
Emergency Resources
There are two important numbers that can assist you when you suspect a human or animal has been poisoned. The National Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 provides free information about poisons and prevention. The ASPCA Poison Control Center 888-426-4435 provides information about symptoms and emergency treatment for animals. You can call both numbers from anywhere in the United States and someone is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There may, however, be a fee associated with calls to the ASPCA that could be charged to your credit card.
When poisoning is suspected in humans or animals, seek immediate medical help.
Both human and animals may spend several days in the hospital and receive supportive treatment during this time.
Even the smallest amounts ingested can be fatal. Ingested pollen, flower water or soil in which lilies grow, can sometimes even lead to symptoms of poisoning.
Lilies are lethally toxic to cats. All members of the plant genus Lilium, including Easter lilies, contain a chemical that can damage cat kidneys. Ingestion of even a small amount of plant material from certain types of lilies is a veterinary emergency for cats and early treatment is essential to a successful outcome.
Both of the true lily plants, Lilium sp. and Hemerocallis sp., can produce severe toxicosis and acute kidney injury (AKI). In fact, all parts of the plant are toxic and there are documented cases where exposure to the pollen alone has caused AKI.
Are all lilies toxic? Peace and Calla lilies are not thought to be deadly, but they are poisionous, and can cause mouth and throat irritation and, therefore wretching, vomiting and drooling are common signs, the irritation needs to be treated.
Avoid scented flowers like lilies and skip the morning spray of perfume. Hyperventilation – When emotions peak, they can lead to shortness of breath or hyperventilation, which can transition to an asthma attack.
Is it OK to touch Lily of the Valley? Yes, it is perfectly safe to touch the lily of the valley. While all parts of the plant are toxic, it is only dangerous when ingested. As a safety measure, always wash your hands after handling the plant and before eating.
While its scent may seem sweet — delivering the uplifting, fresh notes of a flower in bloom — in plant form, Lily of the Valley is poisonous and should not be ingested by humans or animals (smelling it is totally safe!).
The most common effects are stomach ache, blurred vision, slow and irregular pulse, and in severe cases, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea, heart arrhythmia and even death. Lily of the valley toxicity is severe and difficult to treat. A rapid trip to the hospital is required even in cases of suspected ingestion.
Peace lilies make excellent houseplants for the home or office. These lovely plants not only brighten up a living space, but are also excellent at cleaning the air of the room they are in.
Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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