Rhubarb leaves poisoning

Rhubarb leaves poisoning occurs when someone eats pieces of leaves from the rhubarb plant.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Poisonous ingredients include:

• Anthraquinone glycosides (possible)
• Oxalic acid

Where Found

These substances are found in the leaves (leaf blade) of the rhubarb plant. The stalk can be eaten.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Breathing difficulty
• Burning in the mouth
• Burning in the throat
• Coma

  Coma

  Decreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness. A coma is a state of decreased alertness from which a person cannot be awakened. A long-term co...

   

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• Diarrhea
• Eye pain
• Kidney stones

  Kidney stones

  A kidney stone is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals. One or more stones can be in the kidney or ureter at the same time.

   

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• Nausea and vomiting
• Red-colored urine
• Seizures

  Seizures

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• Stomach pain

  Stomach pain

  Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.

   

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• Weakness

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care provider. Flush the skin and eyes with lots of water, if the plant touched these areas.

Before Calling Emergency

Get the following information:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the plant, if known
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This 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 United States 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.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The provider will measure and monitor person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Breathing support
• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray
• EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• Fluids by IV (through the vein)
• Laxatives
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach ( gastric lavage )

  Gastric lavage

  Gastric suction is a procedure to empty the contents of your stomach.

   

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Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Symptoms last for 1 to 3 days and may require a hospital stay.

Serious poisonings can result in kidney failure. Deaths have been reported, but are rare.

DO NOT touch or eat any plant with which you are not familiar. Wash your hands after working in the garden or walking in the woods.