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

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

If anyone collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, treat this as a possible poisoning and call Poison Help immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not do these things

  • Do not wait for the symptoms to pass before calling Poison Help.
  • Do not try to make yourself vomit.
  • Do not take medicines, remedies, or supplements for the symptoms unless Poison Help or a clinician tells you to.
  • Do not drink alcohol until Poison Help or a clinician says it is safe.
  • Do not taste the mushroom, plant, or meal again.
  • Do not drive yourself if you feel weak, dizzy, confused, or too unwell to drive safely.
  • Do not delay the call while trying to identify the mushroom or plant online.

What to do now

  1. Check whether anyone needs 911 immediately.
    • Call 911 immediately if anyone collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.
    • Otherwise, call Poison Help immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
    • Say that you may have eaten a foraged mushroom or unknown plant and now have severe vomiting and diarrhea.
  2. Sit or lie down somewhere safe and keep your phone with you.
    • If you need in-person care, ask another adult to take you or follow the emergency instructions you are given.
  3. Tell the poison expert what you know.
    • Give the person’s age, weight, known health conditions, what was eaten, how much may have been eaten, when it was eaten, when symptoms started, whether vomiting has happened, whether anyone else ate the same food, and what you have already done for the symptoms.
    • Give your exact location and say how long it would take to reach a hospital.
  4. Keep identification clues only if this does not delay the call.
    • Set aside any leftovers in a closed container if they are easy to reach safely.
    • Take clear photos of the mushroom, plant, or prepared food if you can do so without handling it more than necessary.
    • For a mushroom, include the top, underside, full stem, base, and growing area when safely available.
    • Ask Poison Help what to bring if you are sent for medical care.
  5. Report warning signs clearly.
    • Tell Poison Help immediately if you cannot keep fluids down, are urinating much less than usual, feel faint or confused, have severe belly pain, see blood in vomit or stool, or are getting worse.
    • Ask what you should drink and where you should be assessed.
  6. Follow the plan even if you briefly feel better.
    • Some dangerous mushroom toxins can cause delayed liver injury after stomach symptoms ease.

What can wait

  • Trying to identify the mushroom or plant yourself online.
  • Debating whether this is food poisoning, a stomach bug, or a toxin.
  • Cleaning up the meal.
  • Posting photos in a foraging group.
  • Deciding what to do about foraging in the future.

Important reassurance

Calling Poison Help promptly is an appropriate next step. Poison experts are available around the clock and can tell you what to do based on the specific exposure and symptoms.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Diagnosis, treatment, and later decisions may need Poison Help, emergency clinicians, or other specialist support.

Important note

This guide provides general information only. It is not medical, legal, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice, and it is not a diagnosis.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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