Tokat child hospitalized after ingesting toxic dieffenbachia plant

A 2-year-old child in Tokat, Turkey, was admitted to intensive care after accidentally ingesting parts of a dieffenbachia plant, commonly known as ‘weeping flower’. The child, Z. L. Hanlı, experienced swelling in the lips and throat after chewing the plant while under the supervision of grandparents.

Medical Park Tokat Hospital specialist Dr. İbrahim Taştan explained that the plant's sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause irritation, redness, and burning upon contact. He warned that in children, this can lead to swelling of the lips, uvula, and throat, potentially threatening respiratory pathways and creating a life-threatening situation.

The child's health has since improved following medical treatment.