First Aid for Yew Poisoning

First Aid for Yew Poisoning

Article
Brain & Nerve
Eye & Vision
+4
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHFeb 27, 2018

What is Yew Poisoning?

  • Yew is a common species of evergreen, coniferous tree that is found in cold climates across the world. The wood of this tree is very flexible, and hence, is used for making bows
  • Yew extracts are used to treat several health conditions affecting the liver, urinary tract system, and joint pain and inflammation (rheumatism). Some compounds in yew (such as paclitaxel) are also used as antitumor agents
  • Yew Poisoning is the accidental or intentional intake of plant or plant product
  • The condition is diagnosed based upon the clinical history, combination of signs and symptoms, and additional tests (that may include, in some cases, radiological studies and laboratory tests)

Yew Poisoning may be also referred to as Yew Toxicity.

What are the Causes of Yew Poisoning?

  • Yew Poisoning is caused by eating the seeds of the yew plant/tree. However, consuming any part of the plant is poisonous (the seeds contain the most amount of toxins)
  • This intake could be accidental, or in some cases intentional, to bring self-harm
  • The poisonous substance present in the plant include taxine and taxol

Note: The compound can interact with other prescribed or non-prescribed medications in the body. Such interactions may enhance the therapeutic effects of other medications being taken, resulting in undesired side effects.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Yew Poisoning?

The signs and symptoms can vary from one individual to another. It may be mild in some and severe in others. Not all individuals who consume the plant parts/products may show symptoms.

The signs and symptoms of Yew Poisoning may include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting; diarrhea
  • Muscle weakness
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Bluish discoloration of lips and beneath the fingernails
  • Irregular heart-rate (fast or slow)
  • Abdominal pain; stomach pain
  • Vision abnormalities including dilated pupils
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Feeling drowsy and dizzy
  • Tremors, seizures
  • Coma

How is First Aid administered for Yew Poisoning?

First Aid tips for Yew Poisoning:

  • Call 911 or your local emergency help number immediately, for emergency assistance
  • Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or your local poison control center) for further instructions
  • Provide them with information such as the compound taken, quantity and time of ingestion, age, weight and general health status of affected individual
  • Confirm that the airways are protected; also, ensure breathing and the presence of pulse
  • Clean the mouth to remove any remaining pieces; wipe mouth with a wet cloth
  • Unless instructed by a healthcare professional, DO NOT induce vomiting in the affected individual
  • Take individual to emergency room (ER) for further treatment
  • Always try to take the plant or plant product to the ER

The emergency medical health professional might perform the following steps towards treating the condition:

  • Gastric lavage for elimination of substance from the stomach (irrigation using special solutions)
  • Medically manage symptoms, such as abnormal heart rate and seizures
  • Provide breathing support, if necessary
  • Administer activated charcoal to avoid absorbance of the substance in the body
  • Administer laxatives for elimination of the substance from the body
  • Administer fluids by an intravenous drip line, if necessary

Who should administer First Aid for Yew Poisoning?

First aid for Yew Poisoning is administered by healthcare professionals.

  • The individual who is affected, or someone near, should call 911 for emergency assistance (or the local emergency number)
  • They should also call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow instructions

What is the Prognosis of Yew Poisoning?

  • The prognosis of Yew Poisoning is dependent on the amount of substance consumed, time between consumption and treatment, severity of the symptoms, as well as general health status of the patient
  • If the individual can recover from the symptoms with appropriate medication and early support, the outcome is generally good. In most cases, the affected individuals get better within 3 days
  • In case of severe symptoms due to severe poisoning, it may prolong the time of recovery. Nevertheless, deaths due to Yew Poisoning are reported to be highly unlikely

In general, toxicities are common situations in the emergency departments. A majority of the cases are often not fatal, when appropriate treatment is given.

How can Yew Poisoning be Prevented?

Yew Poisoning can be prevented by:

  • Avoiding eating wild berries and plants, especially if you have no information about them
  • Following working in the garden or fields, hiking, or camping, always wash hands thoroughly, prior to eating anything
  • Always following instructions for usage of any health or cosmetic products
  • Keeping cosmetics, medications, and other healthcare products out of reach of children in child-proof containers
  • Keeping poisonous/hazardous chemicals and other materials out of children’s reach
  • Being aware of basic first aid steps in case of an emergency (such as inadvertent poisoning)

It is important to give your healthcare provider a complete list of prescription and non-prescription medications that are being currently taken. This will help them in assessing the possible drug interactions within various medications and help avoid/prevent accidental or unintentional toxic drug effects.

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

  • Call 911 (or your local emergency number) for emergency assistance, if symptoms are life-threatening
  • Call Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow the recommend steps
  • It would be helpful if the following information is readily available:
    • Type, amount and time of consumption of the substance
    • Age and weight of the individual
    • And, the overall health status of the individual
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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