How toxic is it and what should I do if I am poisoned?

Ivy is one of the poisonous plants in the garden

Ivy is found in all parts of the plant, but especially in the Berrywho have favourited The Toxic Substances Hederin and Saponins. In the event of consumption or contact, there is a real risk of poisoning, especially for children and animals.

If you have children or pets, it is better not to plant ivy in the garden. It is also better not to look after the climbing plant indoors.

Symptoms of poisoning when consuming the berries

For adults, the berries of ivy do not pose such a great danger because the fruits taste very unpleasant. Of course, even adults shouldn't have ivy in any form eat. Just two or three berries can cause serious poisoning.

Symptoms differ when the fruits of ivy are poisoned. Above all, stomach and intestinal problems, burning in the throat, states of excitement and a fast pulse are noticeable. Severe poisoning can lead to shock and respiratory arrest. In the worst case, eating ivy berries leads to death.

Even contact with ivy can be dangerous

The leaves of the ivy are not quite as poisonous as the berries. However, they also contain toxins that can cause inflammation and pustules on the skin in sensitive people. If you Plant ivy You should therefore always wear gloves.

At the Cut The ivy tendrils produce tiny particles that it is better not to breathe. Allergy sufferers are particularly at risk here, but healthy people should not ingest too many of these substances through breathing. If you have larger quantities Cut ivy or from the garden remove wear a breathing mask to be on the safe side.

Clear away all cuttings immediately and don't let them lie. Then animals in the garden cannot poison themselves.

Ivy poisonous to children

Ivy poses a particular threat to children. If children eat a few leaves, it will not be life-threatening, but afterwards they can become very unwell.

However, the berries are so toxic that children can seriously poison themselves from them. Eating just two or three berries can lead to shock with an uncertain outcome.

If you suspect that your child has eaten ivy leaves or ivy fruits, you should seek medical advice immediately. Symptoms of ivy poisoning include:

• headache
• diarrhea
• Vomit
• fast pulse
• shock
• Apnea

What to do about ivy poisoning

If there is any suspicion or certain poisoning by ivy, do not hesitate long. See a doctor or hospital straight away who can detoxify you. The poison control centers, whose telephone numbers can be found on the Internet, also offer first aid.

Pets are also at risk

Pets can also poison themselves with ivy. If dog, Cats, guinea pigs, hamsters or birds, even horses can die of ivy poisoning. Interestingly, donkeys don't seem to have any issues with the ingredients in ivy.

The symptoms are similar to those in humans. The animals suffer from agitation, cramps, stomach and intestinal complaints and even shock.

In the event of poisoning, immediately contact a veterinarian who will take care of the treatment of dog, cat or rodent takes over.

Poisonous ivy also used as a houseplant

Whether you have ivy in the garden or as a Houseplant drag does not play a major role in terms of toxicity. The plants kept in the room do not develop berries, but the leaves and shoots also contain toxins.

If you have ivy in the house or on balcony and terrace, make sure that neither children nor animals can get into the vicinity. Collect fallen leaves immediately to prevent the risk of poisoning.

Poisonous ivy in America

Even if the locals do Ivy species are already very poisonous - with the American ivy, also called poison sumac, the varieties represented in this country cannot compete. Poison sumac has much higher concentrations of toxins, so consumption is often fatal. On contact with the skin, severe inflammation occurs, reminiscent of the burns.