Objective: To study the clinical and laboratory profile in infants and children presented in the tertiary care hospital with poppy intake and to compare the profile between those who survived with those who died.
Study design: Observational study. Study Place and Duration: Department Of Paediatrics, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, KPK, Pakistan from January 2019 to January 2020.
Methodology: All the infants and children who reported during research period with signs and symptoms (one or more) of opium poppy intoxication, i.e. meiosis, respiratory depression and decreased consciousness level along with confirmed history of giving poppy at home.
Results: A total of 32 cases of opium poppy intoxication were admitted. Their age ranged from one month to 23 months, mean age was 7.22 + 5.43 months. Out of them, 15 (46.87%) infants and children survived, and 17 (53.13%) died, (p<0.001). The children who survived had significantly shorter period of time between poppy over-dose and admission in hospital as compared to those who had died (6.0 + 2.56 hours versus 12.47 + 4.14 hours, p<0.001). There was significantly high mortality in children who were given poppy powder mixed in water, out of 17 cases 13 died and 4 survived. Low respiratory rate, decreased oxygen saturation, aspiration pneumonia, apneic spells, cyanosis and leukocytosis >15000cc had significant effect on mortality.
Conclusion: Poppy opium is very dangerous and hazardous for infants as it depresses respiration, causes coma; and can be fatal. People need to be educated to curb this harmful practice and authorities need to take necessary actions to stop the sale of poppy at shops and stores. Key Words: Poppy, poisoning/Intoxication, Infants, Meiosis, Apneic spell.
Are Poppies Poisonous to Touch? An In-Depth Look at Poppy Plant Safety
Poppies are stunning blooms that come in a variety of vibrant colors like red, pink, orange, purple, and white. With their delicate, tissue paper-like petals and sweet fragrance, it’s easy to see why poppies are so popular in floral arrangements and gardens. However, these eye-catching flowers contain toxic compounds that can cause harmful effects if ingested or touched excessively. So are poppies actually poisonous to touch briefly? Let’s take an in-depth look at poppy plant toxicity and safety when handling these beautiful yet potentially dangerous blooms.
Types of Poppies and Their Toxicity
There are over 500 species of poppies, but some common varieties include:
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Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale) – Large, showy blooms in shades of red, pink, and white Very popular in gardens
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California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) – Bright orange wildflower State flower of California,
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Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) – Source of opium, morphine, codeine. Illegal to cultivate in many regions.
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Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule) – Delicate flowers on slender stems in various colors.
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Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) – Common red poppy seen in agricultural fields
The parts of a poppy plant that contain concerning toxic compounds are the leaves, stems, seeds, and milky white sap. The sap contains the highest concentration of alkaloids.
Dangers from Brief Contact with Poppies
For most poppy species, briefly touching the plants is unlikely to cause any significant adverse reaction in humans. Having poppy sap contact your skin briefly and washing it off right away is generally not hazardous.
However, people with sensitivities may experience skin irritation from touching certain poppies. Oriental and Opium poppies tend to be most irritating due to the tiny hairs on leaves and stems. Iceland and California poppies rarely cause touch-related irritation.
To stay on the safe side, wear gloves when handling poppies in your garden. Also wash bare skin immediately if sap gets on it to prevent absorption through the skin. Avoid prolonged, repeated contact between your bare hands and the sap.
While briefly touching poppies is not extremely dangerous in most cases, ingesting them is very hazardous…
Consuming Any Poppy Parts is Highly Toxic
Eating any portion of an Oriental, Opium, or Corn poppy plant can lead to severe poisoning in both humans and animals. Even tiny amounts are toxic when ingested.
The milky white sap contains powerful alkaloid compounds like morphine, codeine, and thebaine. Consuming these substances results in hazardous reactions:
- Sedation, confusion, potential coma
- Slowed breathing
- Decreased blood pressure
- Pinpoint pupils
- Potentially fatal overdose
Children and household pets are at the highest risk for accidental poisoning from ingesting parts of poppies.
Any ingestion of poppies should be treated as a medical emergency. Call emergency services or poison control right away.
California Poppies Less Hazardous When Ingested
California poppies contain lower levels of toxic alkaloids like eschscholtzine. Ingesting the California poppy is less likely to cause poisoning or fatality compared to Oriental and Opium varieties.
However, consuming substantial amounts of the California poppy could still lead to adverse reactions, especially in children and pets. It’s best not to eat any poppy species to stay safe.
Growing Poppies at Home Safely
If you want to grow gorgeous poppies in your garden, take these precautions:
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Plant poppies away from areas frequented by kids and pets
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Supervise children and animals around poppies
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Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling
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Remove spent flowers to prevent seed pods from developing
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Uproot plants after flowering if toxicity is a top concern
The safest varieties for homes with kids and pets are the California and Iceland poppies. But supervision is still advised.
Consider removing Oriental, Opium and Corn poppies completely if accidental ingestion risks exist in your household. Dried poppy flowers and floral arrangements also contain harmful alkaloids.
Get Emergency Help for Any Ingestion
If someone swallows any part of a poppy plant, don’t wait for symptoms to start. Call 911, poison control, or a doctor immediately. Rapid action is critical for the best outcome when poisoning occurs.
When in doubt, remember it’s safer to be cautious with poppies. Remove them if toxicity concerns you. Many non-poisonous flower alternatives exist to enjoy instead.
Understand Poppy Risks, But Don’t Fear Them
While poppies carry some risks, don’t let that keep you from growing these vibrant blooms. Take reasonable safety measures – supervise children/pets, wear gloves, and uproot plants if needed. By understanding poppy toxicity and taking proper precautions, you can safely admire their bright colors and delicate flowers.
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Poppy Seeds: The Dangers You Didn’t Know About
FAQ
What happens if you touch a poppy?
Ingesting even small amounts or Oriental Poppy or Breadseed Poppy can cause a reaction in children. Touching plants briefly will usually not cause contact dermatitis, although Poppies that have very hairy stems and leaves could cause some skin irritation. Do not allow children to play with the seed pods of Poppies.
Are poppy flowers toxic to humans?
All members of the poppy family contain alkaloids, not just the opium poppies. Alkaloids can be deadly and should be treated with respect.
What happens if you pick a poppy flower?
What is the Penalty for Picking California Poppies Illegally? If caught picking California poppies in a federal or state park or other public area, you can face misdemeanor charges punishable by up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines.
Are red poppies pet safe?
The poppy plant has a distinct red flower and is possibly one of the best known wildflowers. While the poppy may be aesthetically pleasing, it is toxic if ingested. If your dog eats this plant, you need to contact your veterinarian immediately for an evaluation of your pet’s health.
Are poppy flowers poisonous?
Yes, Poppy flowers are poisonous. They exude a poisonous alkaloid through their leaves, stems, and roots. Ingesting poppies can be toxic to children, small animals, dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Symptoms of poppy poisoning include sedation, hyperactivity, loss of appetite, muscle twitching, seizures, coma, and even death.
Are opium poppies poisonous?
All species of poppy contain isoquinoline and phenanthrene alkaloids which may be helpful in small doses but are toxic with uncontrolled ingestion. The alkaloids are found in a poppy’s leaves, flower, stem, and seeds. Poppies are poisonous to people, dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.
Is California poppy poisonous?
The California poppy is a beautiful flower, but it is also a poisonous plant. The plant contains a chemical called eschscholtzine, which is a powerful central nervous system depressant. Ingesting even a small amount of the plant can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and vomiting. In severe cases, ingesting the plant can lead to coma and death.
Are poppies poisonous to cats?
The perennial varieties of Poppies are far more toxic to cats than the annual type such as California Poppies. Small amounts of any plant past can cause a reaction. The symptoms of Poppy poisoning symptoms include the following: Are Poppies Poisonous to Other Animals? Cattle are the most affected by Poppies.
Are poppy seeds poisonous to dogs?
The perennial varieties, Oriental or Breadseed Poppies, are more toxic than annual types like California Poppy. All parts of the Poppy have alkaloids that act as sedatives. Large amounts ingested could be toxic for dogs and even fatal for smaller breeds and puppies.
Are poppies harmful to people?
Poppies are among the most beautiful and popular flowers, beloved by flower lovers everywhere. Their bright colors and strong shapes make them beautiful to look at in any home or garden and can make people happy. Even though poppies are beautiful to look at, you may be wondering if they are harmful to people.