[DIEFFENBACHIA POISONING].

BACKGROUND

A 70-year-old woman suffered severe irritation in her oral cavity after biting Dieffenbachia amoena petiole. She was treated a few hours after the exposure with systemic and local analgesics, as well as with systemic first generation antihistamine, and her symptoms improved rapidly. Dieffenbachia is a common household plant that contains oxalate raphides which cause irritation and microtrauma. Injuries are caused by exposure through the mouth, and also by contact with eyes or skin. Clinical presentation is dependent on the route of exposure. It includes pain and edema in the oral cavity following biting the leaves or the stem of the plant. Direct oral contact with the plant juice can also cause symptoms. There are some case reports of severe injuries that caused oro-pharyngeal inflammation and edema, with impending obstruction of the upper airways. Treatment includes respiratory support. Water or milk can be given to alleviate oral and throat irritation; some clinicians recommend first generation antihistamines. It should be noted that treatment recommendations are based on reports, not on clinical trials.