RT Book, Section
A1 Williams, Saralyn R.
A1 Thurman, R. Jason
A2 Knoop, Kevin J.
A2 Stack, Lawrence B.
A2 Storrow, Alan B.
A2 Thurman, R. Jason
SR Print(0)
ID 1181057141
T1 Houseplants with Calcium Oxalate Crystals
T2 The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e
YR 2021
FD 2021
PB McGraw-Hill
PP New York, NY
SN 9781260134940
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1181057141
RD 2024/04/18
AB Many  common  houseplants  such  as  dieffenbachia  (dumb  cane)  and  peace  lily  cause  irritant  effects  when  ingested  owing  to  large  amounts  of  insoluble  oxalate  crystals  in  its  leaves.  The  oxalate  crystals  are  highly  irritating,  and  those  who  ingest  the  leaves  experience  painful  burning  of  the  lips,  tongue,  mouth,  and  esophagus.  Marked  swelling  of  the  tongue,  lips,  and  oropharynx  can  occur,  and  airway  patency  may  become  a  major  issue  in  managing  these  patients.  Ocular  exposures  may  occur  as  well,  resulting  in  painful  burning,  erythema,  and  eyelid  swelling.  Fortunately,  these  calcium  oxalate  crystals  are  not  absorbed,  and  hypocalcemia  is  not  an  issue.