Common ivy is an evergreen, long-lived climbervery often used for planting fences, walls and walls of houses. Its numerous ornamental varieties are also grown indoors as potted climbers. Before we decide to buy and grow ivy, it is worth checkingwhether common ivy is poisonousand to whom it can be a threat. See who can be poisoned by ivy and what aresymptoms of ivy poisoning
The most common poisoning occurs after eating ivy fruits
Fig. pixabay.com
Is common ivy poisonous to humans?
The leaves and fruits of the common ivy(Hedera helix) contain active substances which, when ingested or in contact with the skin, can cause various reactions in the body.The poisonous substances present in the common ivyinclude, among others triterpene saponins and polyacytelic compounds. They are especially dangerous for children and people with reduced immunity.
In humansivy berries are the most common cause of poisoningThey may be of particular interest to young children because they look like dark grapes.Swallowing the fruit of the common ivy can causepoisoning with symptoms such as burning and swelling in the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea. There may also be impaired motor coordination, a state of partial lightheadedness, mental sluggishness, and in severe cases, paralysis and coma.
Fortunately,for ivy poisoning requires a large amount of its fruitto be eaten, and their bitter taste will surely make the child spit it out quickly.In some cases, however, chewing on the ivy fruit can cause severe mouth irritation.Symptoms of ivy poisoning last for several daysThere are no known cases of fatal ivy poisoning, but in any case, even in small amounts, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
The juice from the branches and leaves of the common ivycan also be dangerous to he alth, as it has irritating properties and can cause severe skin inflammation in sensitive people. They are manifested by redness, burning, troublesome itching and blisters.Skin irritation usually occurs duringgrooming work, such as ivy trimming, without the use of protective gloves. Treatment of dermatitis caused by contact with ivy juice is unfortunately very slow, soshould always use gloves when caring for or replanting ivyIvy juice is also irritating to the eyes and causes severe conjunctivitis.
Even leaf dust and flowering ivy flowers can be harmful to extremely sensitive people and allergy sufferersThey can cause symptoms such as sneezing, eye irritation, watery eyes or breathlessness. For this reason, many people believe thatcommon ivy should not be grown indoors
Is common ivy poisonous to animals?
The active substances in common ivy are also dangerous to animals. Its leaves make an attractive food for farm animals such as horses, cows and sheep.After consuming ivy leaves or fruits, these animals become ill for several days , suffering from inflammation of the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Thereforeyou should avoid locating enclosures and pastures in places where ivy has been planted
Indoor-grown potted ivy varieties can pose a threat to pets.First of all, pot ivy is a plant that is poisonous to a cat. Cats like to nibble on plant leaves by nature, so they can also try ivy.Eating ivy leaves may cause your cat to suffer from diarrhea , labored breathing, salivation, muscle weakness, fever, hyperactivity, coordination problems, seizures, pupil dilation, and abdominal pain.In a dog, eating a large amount of ivy fruits or leaves can cause respiratory arrest, hallucinations, and numbnessIvy juice strongly irritates the mucous membranes, eyes, and skin of dogs.
Ivy poisoning in animals is not life-threatening , but requires a quick consultation with a veterinarian.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
