us Health & medical scares foraged mushrooms sickness • wild mushroom poisoning • unknown plant poisoning • severe vomiting after foraging • severe diarrhea after foraging • vomiting and diarrhea poisoning • ate wild mushrooms now sick • ate unknown plant now sick • stomach cramps after wild food • possible toxin ingestion • symptoms after eating wild mushrooms • worried it’s not food poisoning • dehydration from vomiting diarrhea • poison control call now • mushroom toxins suspected • unknown berries or leaves eaten • sudden vomiting after meal outdoors • symptoms started after foraged food

What to do if…
you develop severe vomiting and diarrhea after eating foraged mushrooms or an unknown plant

Short answer

Treat this as a possible poisoning. Call Poison Control now (1-800-222-1222) for immediate guidance, or call 911 / go to the ER if you’re seriously ill.

Do not do these things

Do not “wait it out” if symptoms are severe or you can’t keep fluids down.
Do not try to make yourself vomit.
Do not take anti-diarrhea medicine (like loperamide) until Poison Control or a clinician advises it.
Do not take random “antidotes,” leftover antibiotics, or “detox” remedies.
Do not drink alcohol.
Do not throw away the mushroom/plant or meal leftovers if you can safely keep a sample/photo.

What to do now

Get the right help line first (now).
- If anyone collapses/faints, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, can’t be awakened, is very confused, has severe dehydration, severe belly pain, or blood in vomit/stool: call 911 now.
- Otherwise: Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (free, confidential, 24/7). Say: “Possible wild mushroom/unknown plant ingestion with severe vomiting and diarrhea.”
If you’re alone, make the situation safer while you call.
- Sit or lie on your side near a toilet/bucket.
- Keep your phone on speaker; unlock the door if safe; text someone to check in.
Collect what Poison Control/ER will ask for (1–2 minutes).
- Write down: time eaten, amount, time symptoms started, who else ate it, and any alcohol/meds taken.
- Gather medication bottles/supplements you’ve taken today (if any).
Preserve identification clues safely (only if you can do it quickly).
- Take clear photos of the mushroom/plant (top, underside/gills, stem, surrounding area) and the prepared food.
- If you still have it, keep a small amount in a sealed bag/container and handle minimally. Wash hands afterwards. Do not taste it again.
- If vomiting happens naturally, you can keep a small sample of vomit in a sealed bag/container without trying to make yourself vomit.
Hydrate carefully while you follow instructions (only if you can keep sips down).
- Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink.
- If you can’t keep even small sips down, tell Poison Control / seek urgent care or the ER.
Don’t be reassured by brief improvement.
- Some mushroom/plant toxins can cause serious organ injury even after stomach symptoms lessen. Follow Poison Control’s plan and seek same-day medical care if advised.

What can wait

Trying to identify the mushroom/plant yourself online.
Debating whether it was “just food poisoning.”
Cleaning up, driving long distances, or resuming activities.
Posting in foraging groups for an ID (do this later, after you’ve contacted Poison Control / been medically assessed).

Important reassurance

Many people feel embarrassed or panicked after eating something foraged—this happens. Poison Control handles exactly this situation every day, and calling early can make care safer and faster.

Scope note

These are immediate harm-reduction steps and the fastest path to appropriate care. Diagnosis and treatment decisions should be guided by Poison Control and clinicians.

Important note

This guide is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you think you may have been poisoned or you’re getting worse, call Poison Control, call 911, or go to the emergency room.

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What to do if…you develop severe vomiting and diarrhea after eating foraged mushrooms or an unknown plant