TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Houseplants with Calcium Oxalate Crystals A1 - Williams, Saralyn R. A1 - Thurman, R. Jason A2 - Knoop, Kevin J. A2 - Stack, Lawrence B. A2 - Storrow, Alan B. A2 - Thurman, R. Jason PY - 2021 T2 - The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e AB - Many common houseplants such as dieffenbachia (dumb cane) and peace lily cause irritant effects when ingested owing to large amounts of insoluble oxalate crystals in its leaves. The oxalate crystals are highly irritating, and those who ingest the leaves experience painful burning of the lips, tongue, mouth, and esophagus. Marked swelling of the tongue, lips, and oropharynx can occur, and airway patency may become a major issue in managing these patients. Ocular exposures may occur as well, resulting in painful burning, erythema, and eyelid swelling. Fortunately, these calcium oxalate crystals are not absorbed, and hypocalcemia is not an issue. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1181057141 ER -