Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Foodborne and Natural Toxins
Number of Conditions: 4
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
Specialty: Toxicology
Category: Biological and Natural Toxins
Sub-category: Foodborne and Natural Toxins
Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal pain; muscle weakness; numbness; tingling in limbs; temperature reversal (cold objects feel hot, and hot objects feel cold); fatigue
Root Cause:
Toxins (ciguatoxins) produced by marine dinoflagellates accumulate in certain fish species, causing symptoms after ingestion.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on history of fish consumption and characteristic symptoms. Confirmation is difficult, but urine or blood tests may detect ciguatoxins, though they are not routinely available.
Treatment:
Treatment is supportive, including hydration, pain management, and anti-nausea medications. There is no specific antidote for ciguatera poisoning.
Medications:
Symptomatic medications may include antihistamines, antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron ), and analgesics for pain relief (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen ). In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be required. Some case reports suggest using mannitol (a diuretic) for neurological symptoms, though this is controversial.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Ciguatera poisoning is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in the Pacific Islands, Caribbean, and coastal areas of Southeast Asia.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of large reef fish (e.g., barracuda, grouper, snapper), especially from tropical or subtropical waters.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most people recover fully within weeks to months, but some may experience persistent neurological symptoms (e.g., temperature reversal) for months or years.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term neurological effects, such as persistent numbness, tingling, and temperature sensation reversal. Rare cases may have cardiovascular complications such as arrhythmias.
Scombroid Poisoning
Specialty: Toxicology
Category: Biological and Natural Toxins
Sub-category: Foodborne and Natural Toxins
Symptoms:
flushing; rash; headache; abdominal cramps; diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; burning or metallic taste
Root Cause:
Histamine accumulation in fish (typically tuna, mackerel, or sardines) due to improper storage or handling, leading to an allergic-like reaction.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and history of eating improperly stored fish. Laboratory tests for elevated histamine levels in the fish can help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment:
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) for symptom relief, and in severe cases, epinephrine may be required for anaphylaxis-like reactions.
Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine , loratadine ) are typically prescribed. In some cases, corticosteroids or epinephrine may be used for severe reactions.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
It is more common in warm climates, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting people who consume improperly stored or handled fish.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of poorly refrigerated or improperly stored scombroid fish species.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with prompt treatment. Symptoms often resolve within a few hours to a day.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
In severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur, requiring immediate medical attention.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Specialty: Toxicology
Category: Biological and Natural Toxins
Sub-category: Foodborne and Natural Toxins
Symptoms:
numbness; tingling; dizziness; weakness; paralysis; respiratory distress; difficulty swallowing; nausea; vomiting
Root Cause:
Toxins (saxitoxins) produced by certain marine algae accumulate in shellfish (e.g., clams, mussels, oysters), leading to poisoning after consumption.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and history of shellfish consumption from affected areas. Laboratory tests can detect saxitoxins in shellfish, blood, or urine.
Treatment:
There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive, including respiratory support (e.g., mechanical ventilation) in severe cases. Activated charcoal may be used if ingestion is recent.
Medications:
No specific medications are used, but supportive care involves fluids, respiratory support, and sometimes atropine for bradycardia. Antihistamines and antiemetics may be used for mild cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs primarily in coastal regions where shellfish harvesting occurs. Prevalence can vary depending on local algal blooms.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of shellfish during bloom seasons when high levels of toxins are present.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the severity of symptoms. Most individuals recover within hours to days if treated promptly.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
In severe cases, respiratory failure, paralysis, or death can occur due to respiratory muscle paralysis.
Amanita Mushroom Poisoning
Specialty: Toxicology
Category: Biological and Natural Toxins
Sub-category: Foodborne and Natural Toxins
Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhea; jaundice; liver failure; renal failure; confusion; seizures
Root Cause:
The ingestion of Amanita mushrooms, especially species like Amanita phalloides (death cap), which contain potent toxins (amatoxins) that damage the liver and kidneys.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical history (ingestion of suspected mushrooms), clinical symptoms, and laboratory tests (e.g., liver function tests, mushroom identification). Detection of amatoxins in urine may confirm diagnosis.
Treatment:
Treatment involves supportive care (e.g., intravenous fluids, liver dialysis), and in severe cases, liver transplantation may be required. Antidotes like silibinin (milk thistle extract) and N-acetylcysteine may help.
Medications:
Antidotes such as silibinin (a liver protectant) and N-acetylcysteine (used for liver support) may be prescribed. In some cases, activated charcoal is used if the mushroom was ingested recently.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Amanita mushroom poisoning is rare but serious, often occurring during the mushroom-picking season, typically in temperate climates.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Mushroom foraging, especially by individuals who may confuse toxic species with edible ones. Lack of mushroom identification expertise.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If treated early, the prognosis may be improved. However, poisoning can lead to severe liver and kidney damage or death if not addressed promptly.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver failure, renal failure, long-term organ damage, and death in severe cases.